This specialized machine could use the Thundris Tempest Spell as its core to convert electricity into magical energy, allowing it to automatically process materials, engrave enchantments, and craft alchemical tools. But having a functioning Arcana shaper created a new problem, power supply.
A traditional generator wasn’t out of the question, but the Arcana shaper required a significant amount of energy, and diesel generators would be inefficient, expensive, and, frankly, annoying. The noise, the smell, the constant refueling, it was all too much hassle for something he intended to use long-term. And since Diagon Alley didn’t have a direct electrical grid connection, his only viable option was to tap into the Muggle power supply.
Muggle electricity was abundant, and borrowing a little for his personal project wouldn’t hurt anyone. But he had to be careful, careless usage could lead to discovery, and violating the International Statute of Secrecy was not on his to-do list. That was where the Muggle shop came in. Diagon Alley wasn’t hidden in a separate dimension, it was merely concealed by powerful wards. Physically, it was still connected to the surrounding Muggle streets.
So, Alex had come up with a simple but effective plan. By purchasing a shop right outside Diagon Alley and disguising it as an electrical goods store, he could create a legitimate reason for high energy consumption.
From there, he would dig a hidden tunnel from his basement to the shop’s foundation and run a concealed high-power cable directly into his underground lab. This setup would solve all his problems at once, his Arcana shaper would have a stable power source, he’d gain a discreet escape route into the Muggle world if needed, and best of all, the electricity bills would be legally paid through the shop’s account. Of course, he wasn’t leaving anything to chance. Both entrances would be sealed with secret doors, reinforced with protective magic, and warded against detection. And if necessary, he could always add a Muggle-Repelling Charm or a Confundus Charm to keep unwanted visitors away.
The Muggle shop itself? He didn’t actually care if it made money or not. As long as it stayed operational and kept drawing electricity, it had served its purpose. Now, with the renovations underway, Alex had some time. He planned to use it to finalize the full version of the magic Arcana shaper before beginning the excavation.
With his schedule set, he climbed the stairs back to the first floor. The moment he stepped out of the basement, he was met with a ridiculous sight. Fang was still stuck. The foolish creature had, at some point, resorted to gnawing at the wooden railing in a desperate attempt to free himself. Alex sighed. “You really didn’t think to call for help?”
Fang’s ears perked up when he saw Alex. “Master! You’re finally back! Help me! I don’t know why this stupid railing is so hard! How did I even squeeze through this gap in the first place?!”
Alex shook his head in amusement. “The entire house has been magically reinforced. Of course you couldn’t chew through it.” Then, something occurred to him. “Wait… Where’s Wimzy? I haven’t seen her since I got back.”
Fang, still struggling, tried to shake his head but only managed an awkward twitch. “She went to the Longbottoms’ place to help clean up. Augusta sent a letter yesterday asking for assistance, they’re short-handed since it’s just her and Neville in that big house. You did say she could go if they needed her.”
Alex recalled the conversation. ‘Ah, right. I did agree to that.’ He had, in fact, told Wimzy that if the Longbottoms or the Weasleys ever needed help, she should assist them. He had also written to both families beforehand, ensuring they knew about the house-elf under his employ.
“Master, stop daydreaming and get me out of here already,” Fang groaned, looking at Alex in exasperation. He had no desire to remain trapped by the stair railing any longer.
Alex glanced at him, his head still firmly wedged between the wooden bars. Then, as if struck by inspiration, a slow, mischievous smile spread across his face. Fang froze. “Master… what are you thinking? That smile is way too sinister.” His ears flattened as he stared at Alex with growing unease.
“Oh, nothing.” Alex’s voice was suspiciously casual. “I just happened to develop a new alchemical item recently, and I haven’t had the chance to test it out. This seems like the perfect opportunity.” As he spoke, he reached into his space ring and pulled out a metallic band, about the width of Fang’s neck.
“Woof, ?!” Fang’s eyes widened in horror. He knew that look on Alex’s face. He had been used as a test subject far too many times before, and while some of those inventions had been useful, many of them had been… less than reliable.
Even worse, the thing in Alex’s hands looked suspiciously like a dog collar. “No! No way! Master, have mercy!” Fang yelped, frantically trying to shrink back, but he was still very much stuck. With nowhere to escape, all he could do was watch in helpless dread as Alex tapped the collar twice, causing it to expand in size before slipping it around his neck. “Please don’t, wait, huh?” Fang braced himself for something awful, but… nothing happened. He hesitantly twisted his neck. The collar was light, barely noticeable, and completely weightless.
Alex observed his reaction with a smirk. “This is a side project I developed while studying Transfiguration this year. Don’t panic, it automatically adjusts to fit the wearer, and it has a built-in camouflage function. Outsiders won’t even be able to see it.”
Fang’s ears twitched. “Wait… I can’t see it either? What exactly is this thing for?” His eyes narrowed suspiciously before his face suddenly morphed into sheer terror. “Hold on, this isn’t some kind of execution device, is it?! If I make you angry, is it going to tighten and pop my head off?!”
Alex let out an exasperated sigh. “You have way too much imagination,” he said, shaking his head. “Though I’ll admit, the function is somewhat related to what you’re thinking. Why don’t you try channeling your magic into it?”
“What?! You want me to activate it? That sounds like a trap! If I do that, I might be setting off my own doom!” Fang’s expression was full of exaggerated betrayal.
“If you keep whining, I’ll leave you here to become part of the stairs.” Alex gave him a bored look.
“I… I suppose I can hold on a little longer…” With the most dramatic sigh imaginable, Fang begrudgingly straightened up and closed his eyes, focusing his magic toward the collar.