Chapter 31: The Secret Lab Beneath Wayne Manor
The construction of Barrett's new estate was nearing completion, yet there was still one final element left to be built—the heart of his operations, a hidden underground laboratory unlike anything the wizarding world had ever seen.
Alfred Pennyworth, ever the meticulous overseer, had taken personal charge of this particular project. The goblins of Gringotts, though initially skeptical of constructing such a structure for a wizard, were increasingly fascinated by Barrett's vision. No one had ever requested something so intricate and purposeful. While most wizards were content with enchanted libraries and potion rooms, Barrett demanded something far more advanced.
The facility needed to be both technologically refined and magically enhanced, seamlessly integrating scientific precision with arcane power. Alfred stood at the entrance of the underground site, watching as goblin craftsmen worked tirelessly to carve out massive chambers below the estate. Runes of secrecy and reinforcement glowed along the walls, ensuring the underground lab remained undetectable by outside forces.
"This is madness," one goblin muttered as he chiseled precise etchings into the stone.
"No," another corrected, wiping sweat from his brow. "This is something else. Wizards do not think like this."
And that was precisely what unnerved them the most. Barrett Wayne was not thinking like a wizard—he was thinking beyond them.
After weeks of intense work, the lab was finally complete. Hidden beneath Wayne Manor, the facility was a masterpiece, divided into multiple sections, each serving a unique purpose.
1. The Spell Analysis Chamber
A high-tech research room lined with enchanted mirrors and crystal grids. Here, Barrett could analyze spells on a microscopic level, breaking them down into core components and reconstructing them for maximum efficiency.
Magic and science worked in tandem—recording spell reactions, energy fluctuations, and potential improvements. Barrett's goal was clear: to push past the limitations of traditional magic and optimize spellcasting like never before.
2. The Gravity-Controlled Training Hall
A vast chamber covered in intricate runes, allowing Barrett to simulate different combat conditions. With a simple flick of his wrist, gravity could be altered, forcing him to fight under varying intensities. Simulated magical battlefields could be created, ensuring that he was always prepared for any encounter.
3. The Artifact Enhancement Room
A sacred space where ancient relics and magical artifacts were modified with cutting-edge enhancements. Here, Barrett began experimenting with ways to integrate advanced technology into existing magical constructs—wands, cloaks, enchanted weapons, and even potions.
Each room pulsed with power, embodying his belief that magic and technology were not opposing forces, but rather two sides of the same coin.
Unlike other wizards, Barrett refused to see house-elves as mere servants. He had purchased them not to exploit their labor but to free them and provide them with purpose. They had become more than just caretakers of the estate; they were now researchers, strategists, and assistants in his ever-growing quest for knowledge.
The elves learned how to record magical data with stunning precision. They assisted in magical experiments, adapting quickly to his methods. They organized enchanted tomes, compared spell variations, and even began theorizing new ways to enhance their own innate magic.
Alfred, ever the traditionalist, was initially skeptical. "House-elves running research?" he had muttered under his breath. But soon, even he had to admit—the elves were proving to be valuable beyond expectations. With their unique connection to magic and their ability to manipulate energies in ways wizards never considered, they were making discoveries Barrett hadn't even anticipated.
Each of them had been trained personally by Alfred in discipline, efficiency, and adaptability. They were not just servants; they were becoming something more—a force that even the most powerful wizarding families would one day have to reckon with.
As summer continued, Barrett poured over Hogwarts' curriculum. It was archaic. Outdated. Stagnant.
"Ridiculous," he muttered as he skimmed through the spellbooks. "They're still teaching magic as if it's the Middle Ages."
Instead of simply preparing for Hogwarts, Barrett took it upon himself to develop his own spellcasting methods. He theorized ways to cast without wands. He studied alternative forms of spell reinforcement. He devised new ways to store and analyze magic, treating it with the same rigor as one would a high-level scientific field.
By the time Hogwarts finally arrived, he would not be a student looking to learn. He would be a force looking to challenge everything the wizarding world thought it knew.
Ministry and Pureblood Reactions – Just a Minor Suspicion for Now
Barrett's activities did not go unnoticed. Whispers spread through the wizarding community. A Muggle-born wizard had purchased a mansion larger than Hogwarts? He was employing goblins and training house-elves? He was researching magic in ways that even the Department of Mysteries would find intriguing?
Lucius Malfoy raised an eyebrow when he heard the rumors. "A mudblood playing noble? How quaint," he remarked, though he made sure to subtly gather more information about this 'Wayne' boy. If he was rich and powerful, he might be an ally—or a threat.
Meanwhile, Cornelius Fudge dismissed the rumors, laughing them off. "A rich boy playing wizard? He'll be eating out of the Ministry's hand in no time," he scoffed. The Minister of Magic saw Barrett as nothing more than a potential financial asset, another naive fool who could be manipulated.
However, one man did not take the rumors lightly—Albus Dumbledore.
The moment he heard the name Barrett Wayne, he felt a stirring in his gut. Something was different about this boy. He was not like any other Muggle-born wizard. There was something… deeper. Something that needed to be understood.
For now, he merely observed from afar. But in time, he would have to act.
The underground lab buzzed with energy. Barrett stood at the center of it all, arms crossed, watching as data poured across enchanted screens and magical orbs pulsed with knowledge. Around him, elves worked diligently, Alfred supervised, and goblins finalized the last of the construction.
"This is just the beginning," he murmured to himself.
A storm was coming. He could feel it. The wizarding world had no idea what was about to hit them.
As he turned away, a knowing smirk crossed his lips.
Hogwarts wasn't ready.
The world wasn't ready.
And that made things all the more exciting.