"That isn't fiction. No, Hermione, it is entirely achievable within the next twenty years. But not through technology alone—rather through the fusion of technology and magic. Hermione, you can keep a secret, can't you?"
"Yes."
"Then I'll let you in on one. With your help, I intend to build an entire fleet of intergalactic spaceships and send out expeditions to explore the galaxy. Even now, based on the enchantments that power the Hogwarts Express, work is underway on a powerful reactor capable of producing limitless free energy—an analogue of a perpetual motion machine—to propel a ship through space.
"What remains is simple—to obtain the method for creating the Sorting Hat, so that we may use it as the foundation for an artificial intelligence to control a starship. Step by step, by devising one thing after another from objects familiar to wizards, we can move closer to our goal—space travel across unimaginable distances!"
The fiery speech of young Grosvenor fell upon fertile ground. Hermione was captivated by the idea of space travel. The sheer scope of the possibilities left her breathless. Magic was wonderful, of course, but the young Muggle-born witch had already noticed that wizards treated it as something entirely ordinary. And Richie had just opened her eyes to how magic could be used on a far grander scale.
In her mind's eye, Hermione saw a colossal starship, capable of traversing light-years in the blink of an eye.
"I'll help you, Richie!" Hermione declared firmly. "I'll definitely help!"
"In that case, take this," Richard said, handing her a wizardphone. "You know how to use it. Press one to contact me."
"A wizardphone? For me?! But there aren't many of them!"
"You're my friend and my ally, Hermione," Richard said with a warm smile, kindling a gentle flame in her heart. "This way we can stay in touch. Call me if you discover anything new, if you wish to meet, or if something happens."
"Thank you! Oh—Richie, we're going to be late for lessons."
"Yes, we are. Have a good day, Hermione. And once again—happy birthday. I wish you all the best."
Radiant with happiness, like a little sun, Hermione skipped off towards her classes, wrapping the gift back up as she went.
Richard hurried towards the Transfiguration classroom. Striding briskly through the corridors of the ancient castle, he made no effort to hide the satisfied smile on his face.
It seems the bait has been taken, he thought. A spy suit (those are produced by Weasley's workshop for the special services) will suit such a curious girl perfectly. Now it only remains to wonder how long her patience will last before she sneaks into the Restricted Section of the library. I only hope she quickly finds the booklet describing the duplication charm that I tucked into the parcel. A ninja invisibility suit and such charms in Granger's hands… M-m-m… I'm certain that by the end of the year, the recipe for creating the Sorting Hat will be in my pocket. If the notes from Hermione's school psychologist are anything to go by, she's intelligent, curious, and a stubborn little adventurer—give her a goal and she won't rest until she's torn down every obstacle and achieved it, no matter what. A very useful person.
Before entering the Transfiguration classroom, Richard glanced at the platinum Patek Philippe chronometer on his left wrist and noted that only a few minutes remained before the lesson began.
Upon entering, he caught the stern gaze of the professor.
"Good morning, Professor McGonagall. You look splendid."
"Take your seat, Mr Grosvenor," the professor said sharply. "The lesson will begin shortly."
"Hello, everyone I haven't greeted yet. Padma," Richard nodded amiably as he passed the first desk of Ravenclaw students, "that pearl necklace is exquisite. It suits you wonderfully."
Passing the second row—where Justin sat on the left and Ravenclaw boys on the right—Richard shook hands with all three of them before stopping by the third row and offering polite bows to the girls on the right.
"Miss Turpin, a pleasure to see you. You have a charming smile."
The girl, previously quiet and little sullen, flushed with embarrassment and smiled despite herself.
"Miss Brocklehurst, that lipstick is excellent—it highlights the shape of your lovely lips perfectly."
Unaccustomed to compliments, Brocklehurst stiffened and stared at Richard like a startled doe caught in a predator's gaze.
"Th-thank you," she stammered. "R-Richie, you may call me by my name."
"Very well, Mandy. I shall bear that in mind."
"And me as well!" Turpin blurted, her cheeks reddening.
"Most certainly, Lisa," Grosvenor replied.
Richard understood that if he neglected the Hufflepuff girls, they might take offence, so he turned towards them and repeated his courteous bows.
"Hannah, that hairstyle is delightful. The braids suit you very well. Susan, you are as charming as ever."
"Ahem!" came a loud cough.
Richard turned to find McGonagall fixing him with a stern, disapproving look.
"Mr Grosvenor, if you have quite finished charming the young ladies, may we begin the lesson?" she asked pointedly.
"I would not dare delay the lesson, Professor McGonagall," Richard replied politely, taking his seat beside Justin.
"In that case, Mr Grosvenor, demonstrate the transformation of a matchstick into a needle," McGonagall said dryly. "Here is your match."
The object was placed upon the desk.
Richard flicked his wand and murmured the Transfiguration incantation. The piece of wood almost instantly turned into silvery steel, sharpened, and formed a proper eye.
"Not bad," the professor remarked, leaning over Grosvenor. "One point to Hufflepuff. Tell me, Mr Grosvenor—have you been practising?"
(End of Chapter)
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