Author's Note:
Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction based on the Harry Potter Universe. All the recognizable characters, the plot and settings are the property of J. K. Rowling. I claim no ownership.
The setting is in an alternate universe. My main focus would be to write multi-dimensional and relatable characters in a realistic setting. Currently it's rated M just to be safe, I might change the rating in the future accordingly. Story is cross posted on Fanfiction, Archive of Our own, Royal Road and Webnovel.
I am editing and revamping parts of the story from the feedback I got in reviews. Mainly they would be some mistakes I made and somethings I wanted to add that I forgot. The basic story would remain the same. Revamp is almost done. Book1 that is: Summer of Discovery should be complete with all it's revamped content within two weeks.
Chapter 15 - The Timeskipped Week
First day of the week, the lab buzzed with the sounds of keyboards clacking and muted discussions. Dr. Mallory leaned against her desk, arms crossed, watching her team as they got to work.
"All right, everyone," she began, her voice calm but firm. "We've got a lot to accomplish this week. Remember, we're not just programming any drone—we're recreating the precision and elegance of a bee's flight. Focus on accuracy and synergy between components."
Harry, seated at his workstation, adjusted his glasses and nodded. "No pressure, right?" he quipped, pulling up the design software.
Mark, who was already sketching out rough calculations for the wings, shot Harry a grin. "You'll be fine. Just don't let your turbine idea take off—literally."
"Very funny," Harry shot back. "Just wait until your wings are flopping like a broken umbrella."
Sneha chuckled as she booted up her own system. "Play nice, boys. We're all on the same side here."
"Mostly," Jerry added with a smirk, glancing at Sneha as they began working on the signal networking. "You're in charge of the remote control, right? Don't accidentally program it to fly straight into a wall."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Jerry," Sneha replied dryly, though her eyes sparkled with amusement.
Dr. Mallory clapped her hands lightly. "Focus, team. Harry, walk me through your approach for the central body."
Harry sat up straighter, gesturing to his screen. "I'm designing the main body to house a simplified turbine system. Think of it as a low-power version of what you'd see in a jet engine, but adjusted for our drone's size. It should provide enough thrust for basic forward motion and stability."
"Sounds promising," Mallory said. "Keep an eye on the power-to-weight ratio. A turbine that's too heavy will drag everything down."
"Got it."
She moved to Mark next. "And you? The wings?"
Mark turned his monitor to face her. "I'm designing for abrupt directional changes and hovering capabilities. I'm incorporating a flapping mechanism inspired by the way bees use asynchronous flight muscle contractions. It's tricky, but it should give us the maneuverability we need."
"Good. Prioritize precision in the movements. The wings don't need brute force; they need control."
"Will do."
Jerry and Sneha waved her over. "We're focusing on the control system and signal networking," Jerry explained. "The drone needs to be responsive without any signal lag. If it's sluggish, it won't be able to replicate bee-like movements."
Mallory nodded. "That's critical. Test your system in real-time simulations before we integrate it."
"And me?" Katerina called from the corner. "I'm the one keeping this thing from tipping over like a drunk bee."
Everyone laughed, and Dr. Mallory gave her an encouraging smile. "Weight distribution and navigation are as important as any other part. Without balance, the whole thing's useless."
The rest of the day passed in focused determination, punctuated by occasional jokes and minor frustrations.
LINE BREAK
By the next morning, everyone's work was ready for the first round of integration. They gathered around a large workstation, uploading their individual components into the virtual drone model.
"Here we go," Harry said as he uploaded the central body. "Moment of truth."
"Don't jinx it," Sneha warned, connecting the control system to the server.
Mark linked the wings, and Katerina added her weight distribution calculations. The screen came alive with a simulation of their combined efforts.
At first, it looked promising—until the drone's wings flapped out of sync with the body, sending it spiraling into a virtual tree.
"Well, that's embarrassing," Jerry muttered, running a hand through his hair.
"Wings are overpowering the central body," Mallory observed, pointing to the simulation data. "And the weight distribution is off. It's tipping forward."
Katerina groaned. "Great. Back to the drawing board."
"Don't get discouraged," Dr. Mallory said. "This is why we test early. Everyone, refine your models for better synergy. Adjust to the feedback we're seeing here. Let's regroup tomorrow."
LINE BREAK
The lab was quieter the next day, everyone engrossed in their work. Harry murmured calculations under his breath as he tweaked the turbine's power output.
Mark spoke up first. "I've adjusted the wing flapping to synchronize better with Harry's central body. Shouldn't overpower the thrust this time."
"Good," Dr. Mallory said, nodding as she reviewed his screen. "Keep testing that motion in the simulator before we integrate."
Sneha leaned over to Jerry. "I've optimized the signal strength. Try running it through the new bandwidth settings."
"On it," Jerry replied, typing rapidly. "If this works, we'll reduce latency by at least 30%."
Katerina adjusted her weight distribution calculations, muttering to herself. "If this thing flips again, I swear I'm taking up knitting instead."
"Knitting's overrated," Harry quipped, not looking up from his screen.
"Better than coding turbines," she shot back, sticking her tongue out at him.
Dr. Mallory chuckled. "Less banter, more progress. You're all doing great—keep it up."
In the evening, the team gathered again to integrate their refined models. As the virtual drone appeared on the screen, anticipation filled the room.
"All systems go?" Sneha asked, fingers hovering over the keyboard.
"Ready when you are," Harry said, crossing his arms.
"Let's do it," Mallory said.
Sneha launched the simulation. This time, the drone hovered smoothly in place, its wings flapping in harmony with the central body. It moved forward, executed a sharp turn, and hovered again.
"Finally," Mark said, throwing his hands in the air.
"Not bad for a week's work," Katerina said, her grin triumphant.
"Don't get too comfortable," Mallory warned. "We still need to optimize. Run every test you can think of. Look for weaknesses, inefficiencies, anything that could be improved."
For the rest of the day, the lab was alive with discussion as the team fine-tuned their virtual drone. Sneha and Jerry optimized the signal-to-range ratio, Katerina balanced the navigation system, and Harry and Mark worked on making the propulsion system more energy-efficient.
By the end of the day, the virtual drone moved like a true bee, navigating obstacles with agility and precision.
"Well done, team," Dr. Mallory said, smiling warmly. "Tomorrow, we start building the real thing."
The team cheered, energized by their success and the camaraderie they'd built over the week.
LINE BREAK
On the next day, the lab was filled with the mechanical hum of 3D printers and the faint whir of computers as the team gathered, their energy tinged with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Dr. Mallory stood at the center, her clipboard in hand.
"All right, team," she began, her calm demeanor steadying everyone. "We've got a functional virtual model, but today's where things get real—literally. We're going to 3D print the components, assemble the drone, and run tests. It's not going to be perfect, and that's okay. What matters is that we learn from today and improve tomorrow. Everyone clear?"
A chorus of affirmations echoed back.
Harry adjusted his safety goggles and looked at the 3D printer allocated for the central body. "Let's hope these printers don't have a sense of humor."
"They don't," Mark quipped from across the room. "That's why they like you."
Sneha snorted as she powered up her station. "Save the jokes for after we get this thing in the air, boys."
Jerry smirked, connecting his laptop to the network. "Or when Harry's turbine blows this whole project out of the water."
"Focus, people," Dr. Mallory interjected, though she smiled faintly. "Harry, start printing the central body. Mark, wings next. Sneha and Jerry, you're on the internal systems. Katerina, begin with navigation. Everyone else, stay ready to troubleshoot."
The first few hours were a blend of quiet focus and bursts of lively chatter.
"Hey, Mark," Harry called over the noise of the printer, watching as the central body took shape layer by layer. "You think your wings can actually lift this thing, or are we making a paperweight?"
Mark grinned without looking up. "I've got more faith in my wings than in your turbine. Just saying."
"Boys, play nice," Katerina said from her corner. "Or I'll program the drone to chase you both."
Dr. Mallory walked over to Mark's station, glancing at the printer. "The wing material looks a bit stiff. Double-check the flexibility parameters we discussed yesterday."
Mark nodded. "Got it. I'll adjust the print settings after this run."
Meanwhile, Sneha frowned at her screen. "Jerry, are you seeing this? The signal strength is fluctuating."
Jerry slid over on his chair. "Yeah, looks like interference from the material casing. We'll need to adjust the antenna placement."
Sneha sighed. "Great. I'll tweak it after the first test."
By midday, the team had their first set of components ready to assemble. As they worked, the issues began cropping up.
"Uh, Harry?" Mark said, holding up one of the wings. "This doesn't fit into the slot on your central body."
Harry groaned, rubbing his forehead. "Let me guess—millimeter discrepancy?"
"More like two millimeters."
"Fantastic," Harry muttered. "Dr. Mallory, I'll need to reprint this section with adjusted dimensions."
Mallory nodded. "Make it quick. And check the alignment before committing to the print."
At another workstation, Katerina muttered a curse under her breath.
"Problem?" Mallory asked, walking over.
"The navigation system isn't calibrating properly. I think the weight distribution is off."
"Recheck the balance parameters in the design," Mallory advised. "If the issue persists, adjust the mounting points."
By evening, the partially assembled drone sat on the workbench, a patchwork of mismatched materials and components. It sputtered weakly when they tried to power it up, one wing flapping erratically while the other remained still.
"Well," Jerry said, crossing his arms. "At least it's trying."
Sneha groaned. "Trying and failing."
Dr. Mallory clapped her hands. "Good effort today, team. We've identified the issues: material inconsistencies, misalignments, and signal interference. Document everything tonight. Tomorrow, we fix this. Get some rest—you've earned it."
LINE BREAK
The team returned the next morning with a renewed sense of urgency. Dr. Mallory's announcement that this was their final day of funding hung over them like a storm cloud, but she maintained her calm.
"Let's get to it," she said. "Start with the issues we identified yesterday. Harry, you're up first. Fix the central body alignment."
"On it," Harry said, already adjusting the 3D printer settings.
Mark chimed in, holding a revised wing design. "I've made the wings lighter and more flexible. These should integrate better with Harry's turbine."
"Good," Dr. Mallory said. "Sneha, Jerry—signal interference?"
"We've repositioned the antenna and shielded the casing," Sneha explained. "Testing now."
"Perfect. Katerina, navigation system?"
Katerina waved her tablet. "Balanced the weight distribution. If this doesn't work, I'll eat my degree."
"Let's not go that far," Dr. Mallory said, smirking. "Let's move!"
The day was a blur of tests, adjustments, and re-tests.
"Jerry," Sneha called, frustration evident in her voice. "The signal's still weak at close range."
"Try increasing the frequency," Jerry suggested.
Sneha tapped a few keys. "Done. Testing now… Oh! It's stable!"
"See? Teamwork," Jerry said, grinning.
Meanwhile, Mark and Harry worked side by side, fitting the wings onto the revised central body.
"Moment of truth," Mark said, tightening the screws.
Harry powered up the drone. This time, the wings moved in perfect synchronization.
"Finally!" Harry said, punching the air.
By late afternoon, the fully assembled drone was ready for final testing. It was an odd-looking contraption: a thin tube with two stubby wings.
"Not winning any beauty contests," Katerina joked.
"Doesn't matter," Dr. Mallory said. "Let's see it fly."
The team held their breath as Sneha powered up the remote. The drone lifted off the table, wobbled slightly, and then hovered steadily.
"It's working!" Sneha exclaimed.
"Ugly, but functional," Jerry added.
Dr. Mallory smiled, a rare moment of pride shining through. "Great work, team. This is what collaboration looks like."
As the drone settled back onto the table, the team cheered. They had done it—just in time. While it wasn't perfect, it was proof of concept.
"Well," Dr. Mallory said, looking at her clipboard. "Let's document everything and prepare the presentation for our funders. This is just the beginning. I'll be handling the presentation part tomorrow in front of the company representatives."
The team packed up, tired but triumphant, their camaraderie stronger than ever.
LINE BREAK
Harry slumped at the dinner table, his head resting on his hand as he pushed his food around the plate with a fork. The exhaustion of the day's intense work on the drone had caught up to him.
"You okay, Harry?" Dudley asked, raising an eyebrow. "You've barely touched your food. You've got a big day tomorrow. What are you planning to pick up at Diagon Alley?"
Harry gave a faint nod, muttering something unintelligible. It was clear he wasn't up for conversation.
Dudley chuckled softly and shook his head. "All right, mate. Get some rest. You're like a zombie."
Petunia reached over to give Harry a quick pat on the shoulder. "Off to bed with you, Harry. You'll need your energy."
Grateful for the out, Harry mumbled a quick goodnight and shuffled off to his room.
The next morning, the atmosphere at breakfast was far livelier. Harry had slept well and looked much more awake, though he was still yawning as he sipped his tea.
"All right, everyone," Vernon said, folding his newspaper and setting it aside. "What's the plan for today's Diagon Alley visit?"
Harry perked up slightly, spearing a piece of toast. "I want to get more advanced Arithmancy books. The ones we got last week were great, but we're already halfway through them."
Vernon nodded, looking thoughtful. "I'd like to find more books about physics and chemistry in the magical world—specifically ones that touch on how magic interacts with science."
"Good luck," Petunia said, raising an eyebrow. "The wizarding world doesn't seem too concerned with the 'how' as long as the magic works."
"I'm still going to try," Vernon replied with determination. "There's got to be something."
"And I need to finish my Ancient Runes course material," Petunia added, slicing her eggs with precision. "I'm missing some key reference texts."
Maggie cleared her throat dramatically. "Well, this time, I'm not being dragged past the Magical Menagerie again. We're going, and we're staying until I've seen every fascinating creature they have!"
"Good luck with that," Dudley said, grinning. "Meanwhile, I want to check out what games and sports the wizarding world has. There's got to be something cooler than boxing."
"You're assuming a lot there," Harry teased, smirking.
Dudley shot him a mock glare. "We'll see."
As breakfast continued, the conversation grew more animated, each family member buzzing with anticipation for the day ahead.
LINE BREAK
The bustling streets of Diagon Alley felt alive with magic and energy as the family stepped out of the Leaky Cauldron. Today, however, the alley was noticeably more crowded than on their previous visits. Witches and wizards hurried about, some holding shopping bags bursting with parchment, cauldrons, and mysterious knick-knacks.
"All right, let's not get distracted yet," Vernon said, steering them towards Flourish and Blotts.
Inside the bookstore, the family immediately scattered to their preferred sections. Harry made a beeline for the Arithmancy aisle, Vernon wandered off between the shelves trying to find anything science related, Petunia disappeared into the Ancient Runes section and Dudley explored aimlessly before settling in the sports section. Maggie, as usual, flitted between sections, peeking into every book that caught her eye before nabbing some more books on magical creatures.
After an hour of intense book-hunting, they left their purchases at the counter for later collection and stepped out into the lively streets. The crowd seemed thicker now, but Maggie was undeterred.
"Magical Menagerie. Now," she insisted, pointing down the alley like a general directing her troops.
The shop was cozy and bustling with activity. Cages lined the walls, filled with everything from fluffy Puffskeins to brightly colored Fire Crabs. Maggie immediately gravitated towards a section housing magical creatures.
"Excuse me," she said to a bored-looking employee. "Can you explain how these creatures evolved to have such unique features? Their genetic adaptations, perhaps?"
The young wizard blinked at her, confused. "Uh… they're magical?"
Maggie sighed. "Yes, but how?"
"I mean… it's magic?" the employee repeated helplessly.
Maggie groaned, muttering under her breath, "Not a clue about actual biology."
Despite her disappointment, she perked up when she spotted a sleek golden Kneazle curled up in a corner. "Oh, look at this one!"
Vernon sighed, recognizing that look on his sister's face. "Maggie, we already have a full house. Two owls, a cat, a raven, and a toad. Do we really need another—"
"But it's a Kneazle!" Maggie interrupted, clasping her hands. "And it's golden! Do you know how rare that is? It must have evolved to camouflage in environments where predators couldn't spot it!"
Vernon groaned, rubbing his temples. "Fine. But you are taking care of it."
Maggie beamed. "Deal!"
Back on the streets, Harry casually suggested visiting an apothecary to stock up on potion ingredients for experiments.
"You can experiment during the holidays," Petunia said firmly. "We will set up a potions lab in the basement, once you are more knowledgeable about it."
Harry nodded, understanding. "Fair enough."
As they walked towards the alley's exit, they were stopped in their tracks by the sight of animated broomsticks hovering just outside a shop labeled Quality Quidditch Supplies.
"Don't tell me they actually fly on those," Maggie said, her jaw dropping.
"They do," Petunia replied, looking exasperated.
"Awesome!" Dudley exclaimed, grabbing Harry's arm. "We have to check this out."
"Dudley, we're not allowed to bring a broomstick in the first year," Harry protested, though his curiosity was evident.
"Doesn't mean we can't look!"
Inside, the shop was a whirlwind of energy. Witches and wizards swarmed around displays, examining everything from classic wooden broomsticks to sleek, modern models. At the center of the shop, a gleaming Nimbus 2015 was displayed on a raised pedestal.
Harry's eyes widened. The broom was unlike anything he had imagined: sleek, metallic, and almost futuristic. Its handle was shaped like an ice hockey stick, and the bristles were made of a shimmering blue wire mesh.
"This… this is insane," Harry breathed, leaning closer.
The shopkeeper, noticing Harry's fascination, chuckled. "You've got a good eye, young man. The Nimbus 2015 is top-of-the-line. Smoothest ride you'll ever have, and fast enough to leave others in the dust."
"How does it work?" Harry asked, his voice tinged with awe. "I mean, I understand basic magical theory, but keeping something like this airborne with such precision…"
"Ah, that's the work of lots of interlocking complicated runic arrays." the shopkeeper said, clearly enjoying the attention. "It's all about balance spells and stabilizing enchantments. Takes years of research to perfect."
Dudley grinned, leaning against the counter. "Think you'll ever ride one, Harry?"
Harry laughed softly. "I doubt it. Hogwarts doesn't allow first-years to bring brooms."
"That's a shame," Dudley said. "This thing looks like it'd be fun to try."
They lingered in the shop for a while longer, asking questions and admiring the craftsmanship, before reluctantly leaving.
As they headed back home, the family chatted animatedly about their purchases and the fascinating discoveries they'd made. Harry clutched his bag of books, already thinking about the new knowledge waiting for him to uncover.
LINE BREAK
The group gathered around Mark's table once more, their character sheets laid out before them and dice at the ready. The warm glow of the lamp above the table cast long shadows, and the air buzzed with anticipation.
Mark, as always, had that mischievous grin on his face. "Welcome back, adventurers. Last week, you took down the ancient construct guarding the portal chamber. But the awakening of the Primordial Wyrm looms closer—just six weeks to stop it." He said looking dramatically on his clock.
Kendra, playing her Rune Knight, leaned forward, her pencil tapping against her notes. "Do we have any idea what's waiting for us beyond the portal?"
Mark's grin widened. "You tell me."
"Ugh," Dudley groaned, his barbarian persona slipping through. "You know that means trouble."
The group chuckled, except for Harry and Sarah. Their usual camaraderie was muted, replaced with a quiet tension. Every so often, Harry's gaze flickered toward her, but Sarah kept her focus on her character sheet, her demeanor cool and collected.
"Alright, team," Raj interjected, his bard's charm carrying over into real life. "Let's not get bogged down by existential dread. We're heroes, right? Let's act like it."
Into the Portal
Mark set the scene, his voice dipping into a dramatic tone. "The portal hums ominously, tendrils of energy licking at the air around it. You feel a pull, almost magnetic, as if it's calling to you. Who's stepping through first?"
"Me," Kendra declared, ever the leader.
"Following her lead," Raj said, gesturing gallantly.
"Barbarian coming in hot," Dudley added with a grin.
Harry hesitated, his character—a wizard specializing in elemental magic—glancing at Sarah's rogue. Their characters had been close allies, and their real-life tension bled into the roleplay.
"You coming?" Sarah asked, her tone light but clipped.
Harry nodded. "Yeah. Right behind you."
As they stepped through the portal, Mark described the transition. "Your bodies are pulled through with a jolt. For a moment, all you see is light—a blinding, disorienting glow. Then, with a crash, you land in a cavernous chamber."
The players adjusted in their seats, leaning in as Mark continued.
"The room is massive, its walls glittering with veins of enchanted crystal. At its center, a massive dragon statue looms, its eyes glowing faintly. Around the room, mechanical constructs lie dormant, their forms humanoid but unnatural."
"Oh, great," Dudley muttered. "More machines."
Mark's grin turned devilish. "Before you, a series of stone pedestals line the path to the statue. Each one bears a glyph. As you step closer, the glyphs begin to pulse in a rhythm—almost like music."
Raj's bard perked up. "A musical puzzle, you say? This is my moment."
"Don't mess it up," Kendra teased.
Raj chuckled. "Please. I've got this."
Mark described the glyphs in detail, explaining how each one seemed to emit a different tone when pressed. Raj rolled to decipher the pattern, his bardic inspiration boosting his checks.
"Eighteen," he said, beaming.
Mark nodded. "You begin to piece together the melody, but it's incomplete. You'll need someone to assist."
"I'll help," Harry said quickly, his wizard using Mage Hand to manipulate the glyphs.
The two worked together, their banter light but strained.
"Watch your timing," Harry said, his tone unintentionally sharper than usual.
"I've got it," Raj replied, though his eyes flicked curiously between Harry and Sarah.
After a tense few rolls, the melody was completed. The statue's eyes flared, and the constructs around the room sprang to life.
"Roll initiative!" Mark announced.
The room exploded into chaos as the constructs advanced. Kendra held the front line, her shield raised as sparks flew from clashing steel.
"I'm tanking this one," she declared.
Raj supported from the back, his bard weaving spells and insults in equal measure. "Hey, tin can! Your design is outdated."
Dudley's barbarian roared, leaping onto a construct and tearing at its joints. "Let's go!"
Harry unleashed a devastating Fireball, engulfing a cluster of enemies. The dice clattered, and he grinned. "Thirty-two damage."
Sarah's rogue darted through the shadows, landing precise strikes on the construct's vulnerable points.
"Twenty-seven to hit," she said coolly, not looking at Harry as she rolled for damage.
As the battle raged, Harry noticed Sarah's focus, her movements efficient but distant. He hesitated before casting his next spell.
"Harry!" Dudley shouted, breaking the moment. "A little help here?"
Snapping back into focus, Harry cast Levitate on a construct, lifting it into the air and out of Dudley's reach.
"Really?" Dudley groaned.
"You're welcome," Harry shot back, his tone dry.
With the constructs defeated, the party regrouped. The tension between Harry and Sarah hadn't gone unnoticed, and Kendra finally broke the silence.
"Alright," she said, hands on her hips. "What's going on with you two?"
Harry and Sarah exchanged awkward glances, neither willing to speak first.
"It's nothing," Harry mumbled.
"Right," Kendra drawled. "And I'm secretly a bard."
Raj smirked but wisely stayed out of it.
Mark, ever the instigator, leaned forward. "Well, whatever it is, you'd better figure it out. Because the next chamber? Let's just say you'll need to trust each other completely."
The group groaned in unison, but the tension between Harry and Sarah lingered.
Mark's voice turned ominous as he described the scene. "The door creaks open, revealing a narrow bridge suspended over a chasm. On the far side, a pedestal holds a glowing crystal—your key to advancing further. But the bridge is lined with magical wards, each one requiring a specific combination of actions to bypass."
"Great," Sarah muttered. "Another puzzle."
"Want to handle this one?" Harry asked, his tone softer.
She looked at him for a moment before nodding. "Yeah. Let's do it."
The two worked together, navigating the bridge's traps with precision. Their movements were synchronized, their earlier tension momentarily forgotten as they focused on the task.
When they reached the other side, Sarah glanced at Harry, a small smile breaking through her cool demeanor. "Good work."
"You too," he replied, relief evident in his voice.
As the group claimed the crystal, the ground began to shake.
Mark grinned. "From the shadows, you see it. The first stirrings of the Primordial Wyrm. Its glowing eyes open, and its deep, guttural growl reverberates through the chamber. To be continued."
The table erupted in groans and protests, but Mark held firm. "Next week, my friends. Be ready."
As they packed up, Harry and Sarah exchanged a look. Whatever tension remained between them would have to be addressed—soon.
LINE BREAK
As everyone packed up their character sheets and dice, Sarah lingered, glancing at Harry. He noticed her hesitation and raised an eyebrow.
"Harry, can we talk?" she asked softly.
The group stilled for a moment, exchanging curious glances before awkwardly shuffling out of the room, leaving them alone. Dudley gave Harry a quick pat on the back before following the others.
Harry turned to Sarah. "What's up?"
She hesitated, brushing her braid over her shoulder. Her usual playful demeanor was gone, replaced by something heavier.
"When I was in Germany…" she began, trailing off. She took a deep breath and continued. "I got an offer to join the engineering institute I visited there. It's a dream opportunity, Harry."
His face lit up. "That's amazing, Sarah! Congratulations!"
She smiled faintly, looking down. "Thanks. But… I almost didn't take it. Because of… well that doesn't matter anymore."
Harry's smile faded slightly as he processed her words. "But now you're going?"
She nodded. "Yeah. I decided after the talk we had last week. I can't let the past hold me back anymore. I need to do this for myself."
Harry studied her, emotions flickering across his face. Pride, sadness, understanding. "When are you leaving?"
She gave him a small, apologetic smile. "The day after tomorrow."
His eyes widened. "That soon?"
"Yeah," she said softly. "I've been working out all the details last week, but it still feels… sudden."
Harry swallowed hard, trying to keep his emotions in check. "I'll miss you, you know."
Sarah's smile was sad but genuine. "I'll miss you too. But hey, it's not goodbye forever. You're stuck with me as a pen pal now."
He laughed lightly, though it sounded hollow. "Better keep me updated on all the German engineering adventures."
"You got it," she promised.
As she turned to leave, Harry watched her go, a bittersweet smile on his face. His mind swirled with thoughts—of their shared history, their hopeful plans for this summer which now lie in the dust and the changes looming on the horizon.
LINE BREAK
Later that evening, Harry and Dudley cornered Mark, their expressions a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
"So," Dudley began casually, "we went over the builds you suggested last week."
Mark raised an eyebrow, sensing the awkward setup. "Go on."
Harry jumped in. "There are… let's say, restrictions set by the Game Master at my new school that make some spells and features a little harder to use."
Mark folded his arms, his gaze sharpening. "Restrictions, huh? What kind of restrictions?"
Dudley shrugged, clearly unprepared for a follow-up. "You know, just… rules. Like, certain spells can't be cast in certain scenarios. Stuff like that."
Mark's eyes narrowed, a mix of skepticism and intrigue. "That's oddly specific. What's the rationale behind these rules?"
Harry feigned nonchalance. "Honestly? No clue. It's just how they run things. We were wondering if you had any advice on how to tweak our builds to work around that."
Mark studied them for a long moment, his silence stretching uncomfortably as he looked at them with narrowed eyes full of suspicion.
"Alright," he said finally, his voice calm but curious. "I'll have to look into it. This is… unique. I'll see what I can come up with before the next session."
Harry and Dudley exchanged relieved glances.
"Thanks, Mark," Harry said.
Mark nodded, but his sharp gaze lingered on them as they left.
As they walked out into the cool night air, Dudley muttered, "You think he bought it?"
Harry sighed. "Not for a second. But at least he's not asking too many questions—yet."
The two cousins shared a nervous laugh, their bond stronger than ever despite the strange web of secrets surrounding them.
Endnote:
Some points to keep in mind—
I would be posting 3 chapters regularly every week.
I might drop bonus chapters occasionally on festivals and other such events.
I would be very appreciative for any review, suggestions and feedback that I would get considering this is the start of my journey too.