The implications were exg, but Alex also uood the limitations. “Electricity weakens when it travels through the air. That’s why I’ve avoided using lightning magic for le attacks before. To extend the range effectively, I’ll need more power or a reliable ductor.” He tapped a fihoughtfully oable. “The best ductor is magic itself, but that means greater magiption for le attacks. Alternatively, I could use external ductors like water, metal, or…”

  Alex trailed off, already visualizing bat sarios where Thundris Tempest could shine. “Direct lightning strikes need speed and precision to minimize power loss. Maybe I could bihis with other spells or create attack ruo enhas efficy.”

  Alex felt a surge of inspiration as he grabbed a piece of part, his quill rag across the surface as he pnned his steps in researg lightning spells. Speaking softly to himself, he outlined his thoughts with growiement. He envisioned developing high-speed, high-iy electric shock spells that could redefine magical bat. The idea of repg traditional lightning runes in spells like the Weather Hex with the newly crafted Thundris Tempest rurigued him. He pondered expl groundbreaking applications of electrical energy, such as juring Ball Lightning, crafting aromaginon, eing a EMP Wave. Tactics began to take shape in his mind—blendiric spells with others, such as bining it with Aguamenti or the Raven charm.

  The potential fical equipment also called to him. Inscribing the Thundris Tempest ruo a Binding Spirit Serpent could open doors to fasating possibilities. Finally, Alex mused about whether this rune possessed unique properties akin to Fiendfyre—legendary for its insatiable destructive nature and eerie ability to mimis. Could Thundris Tempest harbor simir traits, perhaps ing 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 pn, Alex resolved to dedicate the rest of his summer vacation to developing and uanding the 'Thundris Tempest' rune he had retly 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 m, Alex immersed himself in reading, soaking up theory and inspiration. Afternoons were spent in the boratory, dug spell experiments, practig intations, or sketg 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 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 Ptform Nine and Three-Quarters.

  His ge 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 reizable. Over the summer, Alex had bee 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.

  On board, Alex found ay partment aled 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 ft look. “You. What was that so-called exclusive report about?”

  Vivian’s grin faltered for a moment before she quickly ged the subject. “Wow, it’s been ages since I’ve seen you! What’s with the new hairstyle? I almost didn’t reize you with it cut so short!”

  Alex’s expression didn’t budge. “Don’t try to dodge the question. What happened with that interview?”

  Viviaated, then shrugged with an awkward ugh. “Okay, fine. I met a reporter at a ba, and he was really ied 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 ‘t cssmates 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 ied in my club!”

  Alex sighed and shook his head. Vivian’s thick skin and shameless excuses were impossible to ter. Before he could respond, Charles and Weleered the partment, 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 medieedles, disiant, and cotton swabs.

  “Uh, what are you doing?” Charles asked, watg Alex with wide eyes. “And what happeo your long hair? I thought it looked great.”

  “Never mind that. I need your help,” Alex replied, ign the question as he anized his equipment.

  Vivian, who had spent part of her childhood in the Muggle world, immediately reized the items and recoiled. “Wait, wait, wait… Are you pnning to draw blood?”

  “Rex. It’s just a small physical exam to cheagical 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 reas, Alex’s foever 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 effit and precise movements in silence. While they had spent their summer vacation idly rexing, Alex’s intense approach felt almost ruthless in parison.

  After colleg Vivian’s blood, Alex carefully beled the test tube and nodded in satisfa. Theurned his gaze to the others. “Your tur. Don’t worry, it’ll be quick. Look, Vivian’s already stopped g, hasn’t she?”

  “No, hold on a sed,” Charles said, clearly uneasy. “What exactly are you doing? You’re not pnning to dabble in dark magic, are you?”

  Alex sighed, exasperated. “Didn’t I just say I’m testing yical reserves? Stop overreag.” He reached for Charles, who instinctively leaned back.