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[Fabrication Protocol: Stage One – Component Miniaturization]
Time: 1:15 AM
The chamber hummed with restrained magic. Cool light rippled across the workbench, refracting off copper and crystal. Darius leaned forward, examining the first CCD sensor beneath a hovering magnification charm. The component, remarkable by 1991 standards, captured light and translated it into electrical signals with surprising sensitivity. Still, it was far too large.
"Standard reduction spells won't work," he murmured, eyes narrowing as his thoughts turned. "Shrinking something makes it proportionally weaker. A camera this small would shatter at the first magical fluctuation."
[Analysis: Primary challenge identified. Standard surveillance components must be reduced from current 15-millimeter average diameter to 2-millimeter maximum while maintaining full functionality. Conventional shrinking charms produce proportional structural weakness. Recommend permanent transfiguration with integrated reinforcement matrix.]
[Correct assessment. Solution requires simultaneous transfiguration and reinforcement. Partner must maintain three distinct magical focuses: size reduction, structural enhancement, and permanence binding. Difficulty rating: NEWT-level minimum, likely beyond standard curriculum.]
"Lucky I'm not limited to standard curriculum."
He pulled a thick sheaf of parchment from his notes—a Restricted Section treatise on permanent transfiguration theory, something Professor McGonagall wouldn't even whisper about until sixth year.
Transfiguration wasn't merely the act of changing matter—it was the art of persuading reality to rewrite itself. Size, structure, density—these were merely definitions written into the world's understanding of an object.
"I need to tell reality that this camera is two millimeters across, built with molecular-level structural integrity, and that these specifications are permanent," he said aloud, as though the words might help organize his intentions. "Three intentions woven into one spell."
[Affirmative. This unit can provide real-time structural analysis, alerting Partner to weakness points before they become critical. Recommend beginning with test component to refine technique before proceeding to operational devices.]
He chose a spare circuit board—expendable if things went wrong. Lifting his wand, Darius steadied his breathing, the wand-tip glowing faintly gold as his will sharpened.
"Permaneo Reductio Fortis," he intoned.
The spell flared—delicate threads of energy wrapping the object, pulling it inward. The green surface trembled as the board began to shrink. Darius could feel the magic attempting to compress its structure, every atom resisting the change, while he simultaneously reinforced its bonds with sheer will.
[Warning: Stress fractures forming at 40% reduction. Recommend increasing reinforcement focus by 23%.]
He adjusted, sweat forming at his temple. The micro-fractures sealed instantly, the material stabilizing under his redirected intent.
[Status: Reduction proceeding. Current size: 67% of original. Structural integrity: Stable. Continue current approach.]
The board continued its descent into miniature perfection, now the size of his thumbnail. His shoulders ached from the sustained magical strain.
[85% reduction achieved. Approaching target dimensions. Structural integrity: Excellent. Permanence binding: Engaging.]
The final phase required the most precision—locking the change into reality. Most transfigurations unraveled eventually, time eroding their coherence. But Darius refused impermanence. He summoned the permanence binding with steady breath and absolute conviction.
The board shimmered once more and then stilled—two millimeters wide, flawless.
[Success: First trial successful. Structural analysis shows no weakness. Microscopic examination reveals perfect integrity at molecular level. Efficiency: 78%. Partner's technique improving. Recommend proceeding with operational components.]
He exhaled slowly, the tension releasing from his shoulders. "One down. How many to go?"
[Component count: Four CCD sensors, six circuit boards, eight battery packs, twelve LED arrays, four wireless transmitters. Total: Thirty-four individual miniaturizations required. At current skill level: Approximately three hours for completion. However, Partner's technique will improve with practice, reducing time per component.]
"Then let's keep going."
The hours passed in relentless focus. The workshop filled with soft glows and murmured incantations, magic thrumming like a heartbeat through the stone walls. The nano machine monitored each transfiguration, its voice a calm counterpoint to Darius's concentration.
By the fourth CCD sensor, efficiency rose to 84%. By the tenth circuit board, 89%. Each spell refined the next; each success deepened his control.
[Time check: 3:42 AM. Magical reserves: 78%. Physical stamina: 71%. Progress: Twenty-eight of thirty-four components miniaturized. Partner's technique now approaching mastery level for this specific application.]
"How are they looking under magnification?" Darius asked, massaging the ache in his fingers.
[Analysis: Perfect. Each component maintains full functionality despite size reduction. Molecular structure enhanced beyond original specifications. These devices will be more durable at two millimeters than they were at full size. Assessment: Partner has exceeded projected capabilities.]
A quiet smile touched his lips. "Sometimes I surprise even myself."
[Correction: This unit is not surprised. Partner's potential has always exceeded surface-level assessment. The question was never capability—it was whether Partner would develop necessary discipline and focus. Evidence suggests: Affirmative.]
"Was that a compliment?"
[Factually accurate observation. Though this unit acknowledges the statement carries positive emotional valence toward Partner's development.]
He chuckled softly. The nano machine's evolving emotional nuance was a puzzle for another night. Right now, six more components awaited.
By 4:20 AM, the workbench glittered with thirty-four specks of impossibly small machinery. Under magnification, every line and node gleamed in flawless precision—like a city viewed through the eye of a god.
[Stage One complete. Assessment: Perfect success. Zero failures. Zero structural weaknesses. Partner's magical control demonstrates exceptional refinement. Recommendation: Five-minute rest period before Stage Two.]
"Agreed," Darius sighed, dropping into the chair that promptly reshaped itself for comfort. His reserves hovered around 74%. Not dangerous—but the mental fatigue was thick, heavy as lead.
The Room of Requirement, as ever, understood. A small table appeared beside him, bearing a glass of pumpkin juice and several chocolate frogs. He accepted gratefully, savoring the sugar as it rekindled his energy.
[Observation: Room of Requirement continues demonstrating sophisticated contextual awareness. It provides exactly what Partner requires without verbal request. Spatial magic of this sophistication should not exist according to modern theoretical models.]
"Rowena Ravenclaw was working with principles we don't understand anymore," he said between bites. "That's becoming clearer the more I use this space."
[Acknowledged. Her quest—to teach Partner pocket dimension creation—may represent recovery of lost magical knowledge. Recommendation: Prioritize that objective once immediate surveillance requirements satisfied.]
"One impossible project at a time," Darius murmured, amused despite his exhaustion.
[Fair assessment. Shall we proceed to Stage Two?]