Alex paused, realizing he hadn't thought this through. If he got feedback through his ears, it would be noisy and probably confusing. Using his eyes would be better, but he'd be limited to seeing only in one direction, which might mess with his regular vision.
Bones noticed Alex's dilemma and suggested, "Your spell is perfect for detecting things behind barriers or in low-visibility places like forests. I also think it could help you spot people who are invisible or using cloaking spells, right?"
Alex's eyes brightened. "Exactly! I was hoping it might work even if someone used a Disillusionment Charm or an Invisibility Cloak."
Bones nodded, impressed. "That makes it even more promising. I suggest two possible solutions: first, you could try channeling the feedback directly to your mind, similar to how Legilimency transmits thoughts. But that's risky and requires advanced skills. I wouldn't recommend it for you yet."
Alex considered this, but Bones continued, "The second option is safer. You could use an alchemical item—like a mirror or a pair of glasses—to display the information. The spell would send out sound waves, which the alchemy item could receive, giving you a visual readout."
Alex's face lit up. "I like the second idea. I'll go with that!"
Bones nodded approvingly. "Good choice. Developing the spell with alchemy is not only safer but also more manageable at your level."
They wrapped up the lesson, with Bones giving Alex a few pointers on alchemical materials and enchantments, mentioning that they would cover more in future lessons. Alex left the office feeling inspired, the weight of two books in his arms a satisfying reminder of the day's progress.
The castle was dim and quiet as he made his way back to the Slytherin dormitory, shadows stretching long in the corridors. Lost in thought, he barely noticed the time and realized curfew was near. Quickening his pace, he crossed the third-floor corridor, his mind still buzzing with ideas from the lesson.
Suddenly, a rustling sound caught his attention. He spun around just in time to see two dark objects flying straight at him. Instinctively, he cast a barrier, and the objects hit it with a loud splat, releasing a foul smell.
"Dung bombs?" Alex muttered, grimacing as the stench filled the air. He quickly manipulated the air around him, creating a gust to blow the smell away, then darted behind a nearby pillar to look for his attackers. But whoever had thrown the bombs was already gone.
Thinking about his attackers, he muttered, "You think you can mess with me without facing the consequences? You really think I'm an easy target?" Just then, a voice broke through his thoughts.
"Who's causing trouble now, you little brats!" Filch's voice echoed down the corridor.
Alex quickly assessed the situation. One end of the hall was blocked by the dung bomb's mess, while Filch's approach cut off the other. With no good options, Alex decided to take the risky route. He leapt over the stone railing of the corridor and landed on the floor below, cushioning each drop with a quick burst of magic to form temporary barriers under his feet.
He landed smoothly in the hallway below, grinning as he pieced together his attackers' plan. 'They knew Filch was on patrol and expected me to either run into him or through the dung bomb mess, where they could ambush me. They're probably hiding on the other side, waiting for me to walk right into their trap.'
On the third floor, just beyond the dung bomb mess, Travers and three other second-year Slytherin students crouched, waiting for Alex. Travers had always resented Alex but never had a chance to confront him openly. Seeing him lost in thought had been the perfect opportunity.
"Alright, he must've been caught by Filch by now. Let's get out of here before we're the ones in trouble," Rozier whispered nervously to Travers, glancing around.
Rozier had initially tried to stop Travers from attacking Alex, but Travers ignored him, throwing the dung bombs anyway. Now Rozier regretted getting involved, worried about Filch's wrath if they were caught.
"Relax," Travers sneered. "Filch is on the other end. Alex has no choice but to run in our direction. Once he's forced out of hiding, we'll strike together and teach that Mudblood a lesson."
The group waited, but as minutes passed, there was still no sign of Alex. Filch's angry shouts grew louder as he searched nearby classrooms, inching closer.
"Did he just vanish?" Rozier muttered anxiously. "He couldn't have just jumped off the corridor, could he?"
With Filch nearing, Rozier and the other students begged Travers to retreat. Frustrated, Travers finally agreed, cursing under his breath as they headed toward the staircase leading down to the second floor.
As they reached the landing, a sudden flurry of spells struck from the shadows. Two of Travers' companions cried out in pain as they collapsed, hit hard by an unseen force. Before Travers could react, a powerful spell hit him squarely, throwing him against the wall and knocking him out cold.
Rozier, the last one standing, froze in terror as Alex stepped out of the shadows, his expression calm but cold.
Rozier stammered, "It—it wasn't me! I tried to stop him, but he wouldn't listen!"
Alex raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by Rozier's cowardice. With a slight smirk, he reached down to search the unconscious students, quickly finding several coin pouches. He counted the coins—over thirty Galleons—and gave a satisfied nod.
"Relax, Rozier," Alex said, his tone chillingly calm. "You and your friends have been quite generous. Thanks for the donation." He jingled the pouches, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Now, about your 'protection fee' for the next three months?"
Rozier's face fell, realizing he'd just funded Alex's new "fee." But he nodded weakly, unable to refuse.
Alex dragged him up, dusting him off in a mocking gesture. "Good. Now, I know you don't have the nerve to go after me on your own, so as long as you stay out of trouble, I'll leave you alone."
Alex shook the coin pouch as he asked, "One last thing—has your family been up to anything recently? And Travers, has he been involved with anyone?"