Exploration
Despite the lack of new information from their repetitive scans, anticipation among the crew grew, thickening the air with a tension that seemed almost tangible. With less than an hour until they reached their enigmatic destination, the team decided to take a break, gathering in the kitchen area for a quick meal.
The kitchen was a study in practicality, a compact space designed for efficiency in microgravity. Dull silver panels lined the walls, embedded with storage compartments labeled in no-nonsense blocky text. A single water dispenser jutted awkwardly from the far corner, as though added as an afterthought. In the center of the room, a collapsible table with handholds on its edges offered a space to anchor while eating. Despite the stark design, faint traces of home persisted—a small magnetic photo of Earth adhered to the wall, and a cartoonish doodle of an alien stuck haphazardly above the storage unit.
Theo was the first to enter, his usual swagger muted by the necessity of anchoring himself with a foothold.
“Don’t storm the cabinet, everyone.” drawled, bracing himself against the storage unit. “I’ll grab the pouches.” With a practiced motion, he retrieved several silver packets and squinted at the labels, his voice dripping with exaggerated disdain. “Freeze-dried spaghetti, freeze-dried beef stew, and—wait for it—freeze-dried lentil soup. Culinary masterpieces, truly.” His stomach growled audibly, and he muttered something under his breath about crimes against cuisine.
“Could you grab me a coffee, Theo?” Robert called from the doorway as he, Hermione, and Draco floated toward the gathering area near the water dispenser. His tone was casual, but the faint curve of his lips hinted at the camaraderie that had developed.
Theo’s expression shifted instantly, a flirtatious smile lighting his face. “Oh, but of course, Robbie,” he said, his tone dramatically saccharine as he winked. Robert flushed faintly, rolling his eyes even as his lips twitched. Hermione snorted softly, exchanging a bemused glance with Draco, who merely muttered something under his breath about theatrics.
Elena floated into the kitchen next, her sharp gaze sweeping the cramped space. "Let’s hope this meal gives us the energy we need. We’re going to need it soon enough," she said, her tone brisk, accepting a meal packet from Theo with a curt nod.
Aditi followed close behind, her movements graceful even in the awkward confines of microgravity. “Lentil soup for me, please,” she said with a warm smile. “If you give me your dessert ration, I’ll trade you for something better once we’re back on Earth.”
“Deal,” Theo quipped, tossing her the packet alongside his ration of chocolate with a wink.
Simon entered last, his quiet smile accompanied by a steady hand as he grabbed the spaghetti packet Theo offered. “I’ve had worse,” he remarked lightly, anchoring himself at the edge of the table.
Theo distributed the remaining packets with an exaggerated flourish, handing one to Hermione. “Your gourmet feast, madame,” he said grandly. Hermione shook her head but accepted it with a small smile.
After ensuring everyone was served, Theo opened his own packet and floated towards the large spout on the wall. With a deft motion, he pulled the lever, catching a shimmering bubble of water in the opening of his pouch before resealing it and giving it a vigorous shake. The faint aroma of rehydrated stew drifted through the air, enough to make his stomach rumble again.
Can’t wait to tell Earth about our Michelin-star dining experience,” Theo quipped as he anchored himself near the table.
Robert chuckled, raising his instant coffee in mock toast. “Beef stew: the new gold standard for haute cuisine.”
“Oh, absolutely,” Hermione chimed in, grinning. “I hear they’re adding a special category for space cuisine. Who needs fresh vegetables anyway? I hear the judges are especially impressed with the presentation.”
Draco arched an eyebrow as he carefully opened his spaghetti. “It’s not the worst thing I’ve ever eaten,” he remarked dryly as he peered into the packet. “That honor goes to those ration bars during training. Barely edible.”
“Please,” Theo interjected, brandishing his spoon with exaggerated flair. “You’re just bitter because they didn’t come with a wine pairing, Malfoy.”
The table erupted in laughter, the sound a welcome reprieve from the weight of anticipation that had filled the ship.
As the laughter ebbed, conversation shifted to quieter speculation about what awaited them aboard the alien craft.
“Do you think it’ll be empty?” Simon asked, his tone quieter now, his gaze distant.
Hermione set her pouch down, her expression thoughtful. “Maybe. But if it’s not… we need to be ready for anything. It’s been gone for a long time, and someone or something clearly altered it. It could have picked up any number of microbes. Even if they don’t mean us harm, they could do so inadvertently.”
Aditi nodded slowly. “Alien biology is more or less completely unknown. Even something microscopic could have devastating consequences.”
Elena’s voice was steady. “We will take every precaution. Treat it like it’s hostile until we know otherwise.”
“Anything,” Draco echoed quietly, his voice steady but laced with unease. “Let’s hope we’re not walking into something we can’t handle.”
Theo’s grin faltered for a moment before he raised his pouch like a toast, his tone once again light. “To facing the unknown—and surviving it. Hopefully with all our limbs intact.”
Hermione rolled her eyes but raised her pouch with a faint smile. “To finding answers.”
The soft clink of pouches echoed in the small space, a quiet but resolute gesture of their shared determination. Despite the cramped quarters and uninspired meals, the moment offered a reprieve, a reminder of their humanity as they stood on the brink of discovery.
Beyond the reinforced glass, the ship loomed in the black void of space, its jagged silhouette stark against the faint shimmer of starlight. The Arcanis hovered nearby, tethered to the enigmatic craft by a deceptively thin cord pulsing faintly with energy—a fragile bridge between the known and the unknown.
“Initial scans remain inconclusive,” Elena’s voice crackled over the comms, her clipped tone betraying her mounting frustration. “Short-range sensors are giving us nothing beyond what Earth’s long-range systems picked up. Structural composition is unreadable, and the interior remains completely dark. It’s as if the damn thing is blocking us.”
“Still no thermal signatures,” Aditi added, her voice calm but edged with curiosity. “If energy is flowing through it, it’s nothing conventional. Whatever this is, it doesn’t match any patterns we’ve documented.”
“What about movement?” Simon’s voice chimed in. “Any sign of automated systems? Mechanical activity?”
“Negative,” Elena replied sharply. “It’s like staring at a void. No activity, no response. Just… static.”
Hermione frowned, her pen scratching softly against the parchment as she jotted down notes in her notebook. “Cosmic radiation interference or something deliberate?” she murmured, her mind racing. She paused mid-sentence as Draco’s voice broke through her thoughts.
“We need more scans,” Draco said quietly, his grey eyes fixed on the flickering readouts. His tone was steady, but the sharpness in his gaze betrayed his unease. He glanced briefly at Hermione and Theo before looking back at the viewport.
Theo leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers absently against his thigh where his wand was stored. “Sounds like it’s time for us to test the magical waters,” he said quietly with a faint smirk, his gaze flicking toward the nearest surveillance panel. Lowering his voice, he added, “But we’ll need to make sure no one overhears.”
Hermione nodded, already pulling her wand from the inner pocket of her uniform. With a subtle flick and a soft incantation, she cast Muffliato, enveloping their corner of the lab in a bubble of muffled sound. She glanced around, ensuring their muggle teammates were occupied, then gestured for the others to begin.
Draco was the first to act, his movements deliberate as he pointed his wand toward the viewport. “Revelio,” he intoned softly. A ripple of light shimmered across the reinforced glass, faint runes flickering briefly before fading. He frowned, his brow furrowed. “There are enchantments layered across the surface of the ship. They’re either dormant or deliberately concealed. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Hermione stepped closer, her wand poised. “Let’s check for life onboard.” She cast, “Homenum Revelio.” A faint pulse of magic radiated outward, stretching toward the alien craft before dissolving into nothingness. Her jaw tightened. “Nothing. Either it’s empty, or whatever defenses it has are actively blocking the spell.”
“Or maybe that spell doesn’t detect alien life.” Draco said, his voice low.
“Hold on,” Theo interjected, his tone carrying an edge of intrigue. He pointed his wand and whispered yet another spell. This time, a faint aura flickered around the ship, revealing intricate patterns of energy coursing through its structure. “It’s not just defenses. The whole thing… it’s alive, in a sense. The magic isn’t just embedded; it’s flowing, adapting.”
Hermione’s eyes widened, her pen hovering over her notes. “This confirms it then. Adaptive magic? That would explain why the scans are inconclusive. It’s changing, reacting to our presence.” She scribbled furiously, her thoughts racing as new possibilities unfolded in her mind.
Theo grinned, though his tone carried a faint nervousness. “If it’s alive, let’s hope it’s in a good mood.”
Draco shot him a sharp glance. “Friendly or not, we’ll need to tread carefully. This is far beyond what we’ve dealt with before. If it can block our magic, it could manipulate it.”
“Anyone else seeing a spike in energy signatures?” Simon’s voice broke through the comms, his tone rising slightly. “The ship’s readings just shifted. It’s minor, but something’s happening.”
The trio exchanged tense glances, their movements synchronizing as they drew closer together. Hermione waved her wand in precise patterns, muttering incantations that shimmered faintly before fading into the sterile air. Draco and Theo followed suit, their spells weaving together into a lattice of glowing energy that pulsed faintly.
“I’ve never felt magic struggle like this,” Hermione said, her brow creased with concern. “The radiation is thinning our casting strength. Diluting it.”
Draco’s lips pressed into a thin line. “We’re not breaking these enchantments. Not with our magic so diluted. And it’s not just that—the ship’s energy is… pulling at it, almost as if it’s alive.”
Theo smirked faintly, but his tone was serious. “So much for space being a lifeless void.”
Suddenly, the interwoven spells rippled outward in a surge of energy, dragging their magic along with it. The trio exchanged alarmed glances before quickly dispelling the Muffliato charm and returning to their stations. Their screens flickered, showing the shields surrounding the access port collapse in a controlled sequence, the once-sealed door slowly sliding open to allow the Arcanis to dock. Hermione stared at the screen, her eyes wide with shock.
“What happened? Did someone just do something?” Elena’s voice cut sharply over the comms, thick with suspicion. “The shields just dropped.”
“It’s not an error,” Aditi added, her voice calm but curious. “The energy field collapsed in a controlled sequence. It was deliberate.”
Theo threw Hermione a quick sideways glance, and she shook her head minutely. “Unexplainable,” she said evenly over the comms. “Perhaps the shields weren’t as stable as we thought.”
“Let’s not jump to conclusions,” Simon offered cautiously. “We’ll need to get a closer look.”
The trio exchanged another glance, each carefully masking their expressions as the muggle team continued their chatter. Despite confirming their suspicions of adaptive magic, the ship beyond the viewport seemed more ominous than ever, its mysteries deepening.
Hermione discreetly retrieved her enchanted notebook and scribbled a rapid update for the wizarding team back at the ESA. Floating over to Draco’s station, she lifted the notebook slightly.
“Now that the barriers are down, it’s only a matter of time before they decide to explore the ship. I’ve already informed the team,” she said quietly, “and I’m assuming they’ll think the same thing I am: we need to ensure that you, Theo, and I are the first ones on board. That ship responded to magic. It’s practically inviting us. Sending the muggles in first would be far too dangerous.”
Draco leaned back slightly, his expression darkening. “Bloody Statute of Secrecy,” he muttered, his voice low but brimming with frustration. “I can’t believe Kingsley wouldn’t make an allowance for this team. It’s reckless. We’re dealing with forces they can’t begin to comprehend, and they’re being sent in blind. They shouldn’t be anywhere near that ship.”
Hermione studied him; though she felt the same, she was surprised by the vehemence in his tone. “I argued the same point before we left,” she replied softly, “but Kingsley’s adamant. The Statute isn’t just about secrecy anymore—it’s about maintaining the divide, even in cases like this. He’s afraid of the precedent it would set.”
Draco’s eyes flashed. “Precedent? People could die, Granger. This isn’t some political posturing exercise—it’s real. That ship responded to magic, not their tech. It’s practically inviting us over there. If they go in first, we have no idea what it might do to them.”
Hermione pressed her lips together, her own frustration simmering beneath the surface. “Do you think I don’t know that?” she snapped, though her voice stayed low. “I’ve been juggling this insanity since the mission was proposed. But until we have undeniable proof that magic is the only safe way to interact with that ship, Kingsley’s hands are tied. And so are ours.”
Draco raked a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. “Undeniable proof,” he echoed bitterly. “We’ll get it the moment something goes wrong, but by then it’ll be too late. You know that as well as I do.”
“That’s why we have to stay ahead of this,” Hermione countered, her tone softening. She held up the notebook. “I'm sure Quince and the others are working on contingencies. If we make a solid case, they’ll back us. But we need to act quickly. Once Dr. Carter makes her report to Command, they’ll send in a team—and we both know it won’t be us unless we push for it.”
Draco’s jaw tightened, but he nodded curtly. “Fine. But we’ll need Theo in on this. He’s good at… persuasion.” His lips twitched upward slightly, though there was no humor in his eye. “And we’ll have to make it look like the logical choice. No hint of… anything else.”
Hermione nodded. “Subtlety, Malfoy. I’ve got it covered.” She hesitated, then added, “For what it’s worth, I’m glad you’re taking this so seriously. You’re right, this is bigger than the Statute.”
Draco’s gaze flicked to hers, something unreadable passing across his face. “It’s not about taking it seriously,” he said quietly. “It’s about making sure no one—muggle or magical—dies because we were too cautious or too afraid to act.”
Hermione stared at him, momentarily caught off guard by the intensity in his words. Then she gave a small nod. “Agreed. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.”
Elena’s voice rang out over the comms, snapping their attention back to the chatter.
“Everyone, we need to align with the team back on Earth. A conscious dropping of their tech and a silent invitation to board wasn’t part of our expectations after they’ve ignored all attempts at communication. Switch to frequency 152.90 MHz and acknowledge once tuned.”
Hermione quickly returned to her station, adjusting the frequency before reporting her presence. One by one, the other team members followed suit, their voices chiming in over the comms.
Rodotà’s voice came through next, calm but commanding. “Preliminary reconnaissance indicates no immediate threats, but this needs to be handled carefully. Elena, we need to decide who will be on the exploratory team.”
Theo leaned forward, activating his microphone. “It’s obvious,” he said smoothly. “Draco, Hermione, and I have consistently shown capability in these situations. We’ve been consistent in our performance, and frankly, this ship’s reaction suggests it’s something we’re uniquely suited to handle.”
Elena’s reply was immediate and cutting. “Absolutely not. You’ve been… adequate, but your credentials are still unknown to this team. I won’t risk a first-contact mission on uncertainties.”
“With all due respect, Dr. Carter,” Draco interjected, his voice sharp and icy, “those ‘uncertainties’ are precisely why we should be the ones going. The ship is responding to variables your systems can’t measure. That makes us the logical choice.”
“Logical?” Simon interjected, his tone skeptical. “You mean convenient. We’ve seen nothing in your performance that warrants putting you in charge of this.”
Rodotà’s voice cut through the rising tension. “Enough. This isn’t about convenience or politics. It’s about ensuring we approach this ship safely and effectively. I know these three were added to your team last minute and without your approval Elena, but it was not without reason. I want you to pick two of your team to accompany Draco and Theo.”
Hermione exhaled softly, tension coiling in her chest as she glanced at Draco. He met her gaze and gave a subtle nod, mouthing, “Halfway there.”
Elena’s tone remained firm, though frustration bled into her words. “Simon and Aditi will accompany them. Recon team, suit up and gather at the docking port. We leave no room for error. Everyone, switch back to local frequency.”
Elena tore off her headset, letting it float aimlessly near her head, before unbuckling herself from her chair. With a push, she floated toward Draco and Theo, her expression thunderous.
“YOU,” she barked, before pushing off to quickly float in the direction of Draco and Theo. “I don’t know who the hell you think you are. Forcing your way onto this team was one thing, but none of you are prepared for a potential first-contact scenario. We’ve spent years training for this. Years. And you’re little more than children playing dress up.”
Draco’s jaw tightened, but he held her gaze, his voice measured and cold. “With all due respect, Dr. Carter, you don’t have the faintest idea what we’re capable of. Every situation we’ve encountered so far has proven one thing: this ship is responding to elements outside the scope of your training. That makes us necessary, not optional.”
“Necessary?” Elena’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “You’ve been passable at best. Secretive, evasive, and now you’re undermining my team. How am I supposed to trust you with something this delicate?”
Hermione floated closer, her voice calm but resolute. “Dr. Carter, I understand your concerns, but we’re not trying to undermine your authority. We’re trying to ensure this mission succeeds. The ship isn’t responding to conventional methods. If we’re right, it’s reacting to something we’ve encountered before. Let us help. We can increase your chances of success.”
Simon’s voice cut through the growing argument, his tone measured. “Elena, Rodotà has made the decision. Let’s focus on preparing for the mission. You picked me and Aditi. We’ll handle it, and we trust your judgment. Let’s not waste time arguing.”
Elena’s glare lingered on Hermione and Draco before she exhaled sharply, the tension in her frame palpable. “Fine,” she ground out. “But make no mistake: any deviation from protocol, and this falls on you.” She turned toward Simon and Aditi. “Get your gear and double-check environmental seals. I’ll meet you at the airlock after we dock.”
As Elena floated away, Theo leaned toward Draco, muttering with a faint smirk, “Well, she’s just a delight.”
Draco didn’t reply, his gaze following Elena until she disappeared down the corridor.
Hermione turned to Draco and Theo, her tone low but urgent. “We’ve got one shot to make this work. Be careful, and don’t let them see anything… unusual. This mission is already on thin ice.”
Draco nodded curtly, while Theo’s smirk softened into a serious expression. “Understood.”
“Disillusion each other’s wands,” Hermione instructed, handing something small to Draco. “And this. It’s an extra floobile. I’ve muted it, but attach it to your wand. We can leave a call open, and I might be able to monitor what’s going on over there.”
Theo raised an eyebrow. "Always prepared, aren’t you, Granger?"
Hermione offered a tight smile. "Somebody has to be."
As they floated toward the docking port, the tension in the ship’s corridors was almost tangible. Simon and Aditi were already waiting, meticulously running through final checks on their suits. Elena stood nearby, her expression unreadable as she oversaw the preparations, her arms crossed tightly.
“Environmental seals confirmed,” Aditi reported, her tone calm and measured as she secured her helmet. “Oxygen reserves stable. All systems green.”
“Roger that,” Simon replied, his focus on the handheld scanner strapped to his suit. He ran a final diagnostic before glancing at Draco and Theo. “I hope you two are as ready as you claim to be.”
Draco’s expression remained impassive. “We’ll manage.”
Rodotà’s voice crackled through the ship’s comms, steady and reassuring. “Remember, team, this is reconnaissance only. No risks, no assumptions. We’re maintaining scans from here. Gather data and return safely. We’re counting on you.”
Draco cast one last glance at Hermione before stepping into his suit.
“Be careful, Draco,” she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. Her hand moved as if to reach for him, but halfway, she hesitated. Her fingers curled back awkwardly, and after a brief pause, she opted for a light pat on his arm instead—a gesture that felt almost laughably stilted given the gravity of the moment.
Draco’s expression softened slightly, though he remained silent. His grey eyes lingered on hers for a moment longer than necessary, unreadable but intense.
Thankfully—or perhaps not—Theo broke the tension with his usual flair for dramatic timing.
“What, no heartfelt goodbye for me?” he teased, raising an eyebrow with mock indignation. “Granger, I’m hurt. Is it only brooding blondes who get your attention these days?”
Hermione’s cheeks flared crimson as she whipped her head toward him. Her mouth opened, an obvious retort forming, but she seemed to think better of it. Instead, her lips pressed into a thin line, and with a sharp motion, she grabbed the nearest handhold and propelled herself out of the docking area. As she floated down the corridor, she muttered something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like “infuriating.”
Her thoughts churned as she moved, the hum of the ship around her doing little to quiet her mind. What in Merlin’s name was that? This was Malfoy—arrogant, calculating, once the embodiment of everything she despised. And yet, this Draco seemed… different. She couldn’t ignore the way he’d integrated into the team, his genuine concern for their safety—both magical and muggle alike. The sneering disdain that once punctuated his every interaction was conspicuously absent.
Her mind flickered back to the first day she’d seen him in Shacklebolt’s office. The way he’d stood there, shoulders squared but tense, his expression carefully neutral yet his eyes betraying something harder to define—determination, perhaps, or even regret. This wasn’t the Draco Malfoy she’d known at Hogwarts.
And yet…
The soft vibration of the floobile strapped to her wand snapped her from her reverie. The boys had started the call. Letting out a small breath of relief, she shook her head lightly and pushed herself back toward her station. Her movements, once hesitant, were becoming more practiced with every hour. Settling into her seat, she cast a quick glance at the remaining muggle team members. Seeing that they were absorbed in their own tasks, she activated the connection. The faint glow illuminated her lap as she positioned the device discreetly.
Turning her chair slightly to shield the images from prying eyes, Hermione leaned in closer to the screen, her brow furrowed with focus.
He wasn’t sure when it had started, but at some point, Draco found he not tolerated but rather looked forward to his interactions with Granger. Her swotty tendencies, once insufferably grating, had somehow shifted into something… endearing. He scowled slightly at the thought, fastening the final clasp on his suit. Apparently, the feeling wasn’t entirely one-sided, judging by that awkwardly stilted goodbye.
Theo leaned lazily against the wall, his voice a low, teasing drawl. “Careful, Draco. If you keep looking like that, people might start thinking you’ve gone soft for Granger.” His grin widened, mischief lighting his face as he added, “Imagine it—Malfoy, hero of the people, falling for the brightest witch of her age. Tragic, really.”
“Shut up, Nott,” Draco snapped, rolling his eyes as he clicked his helmet into place. Their suits, thankfully subtly modified to accommodate their concealed wands, offered a sliver of reassurance, though his nerves remained taut. Draco pulled his disillusioned wand from the pocket and tapped the small enchanted floobile attached to it. The faint blue light blinked steadily as the connection activated.
“Let’s see if this works,” he muttered, momentarily forgetting his voice now broadcasted over the shared comm frequency.
“Rather stay back, Mr. Malfoy?” Elena’s voice crackled through the line, dripping with sarcasm.
Draco ignored the jibe, his tone sharp as he addressed the team. “Let’s go.”
The docking port door clicked shut behind them with a heavy, metallic finality. A loud hiss filled the chamber as the airlock pressurized, the faint sound amplifying the tension in the enclosed space. With a soft chime, the airlock cycled open, revealing the dark expanse of the alien craft. The void seemed to stretch endlessly, the faint hum of the Arcanis’ systems fading into silence as they drifted forward.
As they crossed the threshold into the alien ship, the atmosphere shifted almost immediately. The air felt dense, charged with an unidentifiable energy that seemed to hum just beneath the surface. Draco and Theo exchanged a glance, their faces tight with unease. A strange warmth spread through their cores—a sensation that was both invigorating and disorienting.
“Something’s… happening,” Draco said over the comms, his voice steady but tight.
As if responding to his words, the ship came alive. Lights flickered on in a cascading sequence, casting an eerie, pulsating glow along the metallic walls. The faint vibrations underfoot intensified, spreading outward with each passing second. The team froze, their movements halting as the ship’s systems seemingly awakened around them.
Back on the Arcanis, alarms blared to life, cutting through the quiet hum of the ship’s systems.
“What’s going on?” Elena’s voice demanded sharply over the comms.
Robert’s response came quickly, his tone tinged with alarm. “Energy spike originating from the alien ship. It’s significant… and it’s affecting some of the human bio-signatures inside. Theo and Malfoy are registering anomalous readings.”
“Define anomalous,” Elena snapped, her voice cutting through the rising tension.
Robert hesitated before replying. “Their energy signatures are… changing. It’s almost as if they’re synchronizing with the ship’s systems. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Draco and Theo exchanged another glance at this, their unease deepening.
“Are you feeling this?” Theo asked quietly, his voice barely masking his discomfort.
“Yes,” Draco replied curtly. “It’s like it’s pulling at… something inside us.”
Simon’s voice cut through the comms, calm but firm. “This wasn’t in the mission plan. We need to return to the Arcanis immediately. No unnecessary risks.”
“That’s unnecessary,” Theo countered quickly, his tone unusually resolute. “It’s strange, sure, but we’re fine—right, Malfoy?” He looked to Draco, who nodded once in agreement. “Robbie, you don’t see anything dangerous happening to our bio-signatures, do you? We’re here to gather data. Let’s stick to the mission.”
Theo’s uncharacteristic conviction seemed to give the team pause, swaying them toward a cautious consensus.
“Aditi, Simon, are you feeling anything unusual?” Elena’s voice interjected, sharp with concern.
“No changes here,” Aditi replied after exchanging a glance with Simon. “We’re fine, Elena.”
“Mr. Nott, Mr. Malfoy,” Elena’s voice crackled sharply over the comms. “If you’re sure, we’ll proceed for now. But the second you feel anything might be off, you are to notify us and return to the Arcanis immediately. Understood? We’ll continue monitoring you, as well as the ship.”
“Understood,” they both replied in unison, their voices firm. Draco and Theo exchanged a glance before looking toward Simon and Aditi. A quiet moment passed between the group, a shared tension prickling in the air as unspoken fears settled heavily over them.
The team pressed forward, the corridor ahead bathed in shifting patterns of light and shadow that played across the metallic walls as Draco and Theo continued through, as though the ship itself was alive and aware of their presence.
Draco tightened his grip on his wand, his senses on high alert. “Granger, are you seeing this?” he asked, his voice low but even.
“On the scans?” she responded pointedly, faintly crackling through the comms. “I see it. The ship… it’s responding to you, but we don’t know why or how. Proceed carefully.”
Draco nodded, his resolve hardening. “Understood. Let’s move.”
Draco nodded, his jaw tightening as he refocused. “Understood. Let’s move.”
The vibrations beneath their feet grew steadier, almost rhythmic, as the corridor opened into a vast, domed chamber. The walls glimmered faintly, crystalline structures pulsating softly with an inner light that felt almost organic. At the center of the room stood a pedestal, its glowing panel casting an eerie luminescence across the chamber.
“Start collecting samples,” Simon instructed, his voice calm but purposeful. Aditi moved to one of the walls, carefully extracting a shard of the crystalline material and sealing it in a sterile container. Theo joined her, subtly scanning the area with his modified wand to detect abnormalities. To his surprise, his magic flowed easily, unaffected by the radiation that had previously dampened their abilities.
Draco approached the pedestal cautiously, his wand drawn and his movements deliberate. The panel emitted a faint hum as he neared it, the glow intensifying slightly. “There’s something central here,” he said into the comms. “Looks like some sort of control system.”
“Don’t touch it yet,” Hermione warned, her tone sharp. “We need to cross-reference it with the scans we’re receiving.”
“Understood,” Draco replied curtly. He began his own magical investigation, his wand tracing careful patterns as he muttered incantations under his breath.
As the team worked, the ship seemed to shift in response to their presence. The vibrations grew more distinct, the glow from the crystalline walls brightening subtly. Theo straightened, glancing around uneasily. “It’s like it knows we’re here.”
“Stay focused,” Elena’s voice cut in firmly. “Collect what you can, but don’t push your luck.”
Simon moved closer to the pedestal, pulling out a portable scanner. “The tech here is completely alien,” he muttered. “I can’t even begin to parse its functionality. It’s beyond anything I’ve seen.”
Draco exchanged a quick glance with Theo, turning slightly to shield himself from Simon’s view before muttering, “Specialis Revelio.” His wand traced a precise arc, and a faint glow illuminated the pedestal’s surface, revealing a network of magical runes interwoven with the ship’s systems. He leaned closer, his brows furrowing. This wasn’t just advanced technology—it was magic, intricately bound into the ship’s very structure.
Theo joined him, discreetly shaking his wand hand to draw Draco's attention. “We need to tread carefully. Whatever this is, it’s way beyond what we’ve seen before.”
Hermione’s voice broke through their concentration. “Draco, Theo, I’m seeing another energy spike on the scans. Be careful—something’s changing again.”
Draco nodded, stepping back from the pedestal, his expression thoughtful but wary. “Noted,” he replied tersely.
“We’ve got enough for now,” Simon called over the comms, his voice steady. “Let’s regroup and analyze what we’ve collected.”
The team quickly secured their samples, moving cautiously as the hum of the ship seemed to follow their every step. The pulsating light from the walls dimmed slightly as they began their retreat, the vibrations beneath their feet steady but insistent. It was as if the ship were watching them, aware of their movements.
As the group stepped back into the corridor leading toward the airlock, the oppressive sense of being observed lingered. Whatever secrets the alien craft held, one thing was certain: this was only the beginning.
The team’s return to the Arcanis was tense and methodical. The airlock sealed behind them with a low hiss, and the familiar hum of the ship’s systems reasserted itself in the silence. Wordlessly, they moved from the docking port toward the decontamination chamber, the weight of the craft’s mysteries pressing heavily on them.
The decontamination chamber was a compact, cylindrical room designed with functionality in mind. The walls were lined with sleek panels embedded with sanitization units, and faint lines of light traced their edges, softly glowing in a rhythmic sequence. Overhead, nozzles were arrayed in concentric patterns, prepared to release sterilizing mist in precise bursts. The floor was grated, allowing excess moisture to dissipate while built-in UV projectors bathed the chamber in shifting spectrums of light. The air carried a sharp antiseptic scent, the hum of automation filling the space as the system activated.
As the sterilization procedures began, jets of mist surrounded them, the fine vapor clinging to their suits before evaporating almost instantly. The chamber’s lights cycled through a spectrum of ultraviolet frequencies, casting an unearthly glow that reflected in the polished surfaces. Draco and Theo exchanged a glance as the faint warmth they’d felt earlier—strange and lingering—still pulsed subtly within them, a quiet reminder of their synchronization with the ship.
When the cycle completed, the inner door slid open to reveal Hermione waiting with a medkit in hand. Her expression was a careful balance of professionalism and barely concealed curiosity.
“Welcome back,” she said briskly, her eyes scanning the team, lingering briefly on Draco. “We need to perform some medical checks before you’re cleared.”
Aditi nodded, her voice calm. “Of course. The sooner we’re cleared, the sooner we can start analyzing the samples.”
Hermione led them to the adjoining medical bay, a pristine space blending muggle technology with subtle hidden magical enhancements. The rectangular room gleamed in sterilized white, its walls lined with diagnostic equipment. Adjustable examination chairs were arranged in a neat row, each equipped with retractable scanners, while compartmentalized storage units housed supplies. Overhead, the lights emitted a soft, even glow, minimizing strain during extended sessions.
Hermione started with Aditi and Simon, running routine scans and examining their vitals. Both checked out fine, their bio-signatures unchanged from baseline.
“You’re both clear,” Hermione said, offering a faint smile. “You should report to Elena for debriefing and start working on the samples.”
Aditi hesitated, her brow furrowing. “Are you sure? Given the ship’s behavior, I should stay and assist with further analyses. My experience with biochemical anomalies—”
Hermione held up a hand, her tone firm but not unkind. “Your expertise will be invaluable in debriefing and beginning the analyses. I can focus on Draco and Theo for now.”
Simon placed a hand on Aditi’s shoulder. “Come on. Elena will want a full rundown. Hermione’s got this.”
Reluctantly, Aditi nodded and followed Simon out, the door hissing shut behind them and leaving Hermione alone with Draco and Theo.
Her professional demeanor shifted slightly, her concern now more apparent. “All right,” she said, setting the medkit aside. “Talk to me. What happened over there?”
Draco leaned against the wall, his arms crossed. “It’s hard to explain. The ship… it did something. I can feel it. It’s like it was trying to communicate—or give something to me. My magical core feels… different. Stronger. And performing magic there was much easier. Effortless, even.”
Theo nodded. “Same here. The ship amplified everything. Spells I struggled with before were easy. That joint Specialis Revelio we barely managed earlier? I cast it alone without a hitch—no strain, no interference from the radiation. It was better than I could on Earth even.”
Hermione’s eyes widened as she began pacing, her fingers tapping her chin. “If your magical signatures have changed, it could explain why the ship responded to you. I need to confirm this.” She stopped abruptly and looked at them. “Let’s start with basic spells here on the Arcanis to see if the effects persist.”
Draco straightened, pulling his wand from its concealed pocket. With a precise swish and flick, he intoned, “Wingardium Leviosa.”
A bottle, magnetically secured to the counter, detached and floated smoothly into the air. There wasn’t the faintest flicker of instability. Draco’s brow furrowed in mild astonishment. “No resistance. Not even a hint of disruption.”
Theo followed suit, levitating a clipboard effortlessly. “Same here,” he said, watching the object hover with practiced ease. “It’s like the radiation doesn’t affect us anymore.”
Hermione observed intently, her mind racing. “This is unprecedented. Your cores have… adapted, attuning to the ship’s energy. But if that’s true, we need to understand the implications—for both of you and the mission.”
Draco met her gaze. “And how exactly do you propose we do that?”
Hermione sighed, her expression resolute. “We test, document, and analyze. Whatever’s happened to you could be the key to understanding the ship’s connection to magic. But first, we need to rule out adverse effects. You’ll stay here for observation tonight—they’ll expect it given the circumstances.”
Theo groaned, running a hand down his face. “Fantastic. A night in the lab. My favorite.”
Hermione shot him a sharp look. “Non-negotiable, Theo. This isn’t just about you. It’s about the mission. The more we learn now, the better prepared we’ll be.”
Draco smirked faintly. “Looks like we’re your guinea pigs, Granger.”
Hermione’s lips curved into a small smile as she grabbed her notebook, her pen moving furiously across the page. “So be it. Besides, this confirms something extraordinary—magic exists beyond Earth. We’re closer than ever to uncovering its origins.” She glanced up, her eyes gleaming with determination. “Now, let’s get started.”