Chapter 27: The Shockwave

Chapter 27: The Shockwave of Barrett Walker

The Headmaster's Office – Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

POV: Albus Dumbledore

Albus Dumbledore sat behind his large, mahogany desk, his fingers steepled as he gazed down at the peculiar mechanical device in front of him. The Hogwarts acceptance letter had been returned—not via an owl, as was tradition—but through a drone. The small metallic contraption still whirred softly, its camera lens staring lifelessly at the assembled professors.

Minerva McGonagall stood beside him, arms crossed, her lips pursed in deep contemplation. The deputy headmistress, known for her firm adherence to tradition, had yet to decide whether to be impressed or horrified.

Severus Snape, seated across from them, sneered at the machine as if it personally offended him. "This is an insult," he declared coldly. "A student who disregards our customs so blatantly should not be admitted to Hogwarts."

"I think it's fascinating!" squeaked Filius Flitwick, his tiny frame barely visible over the desk. He leaned forward, poking the drone with his wand. "How did he enchant this to send back our letter? Magic and Muggle technology should repel each other. This is advanced, even for a fully trained wizard!"

"The question isn't how, Filius," McGonagall said, adjusting her glasses. "It's why. Why did the Book of Acceptance reach out to a boy in America in the first place? That has never happened."

Dumbledore, who had remained silent throughout their discussion, finally spoke. His voice was calm yet carried an undertone of curiosity. "Indeed, Minerva. The Book of Acceptance has never sent a letter beyond our jurisdiction. It recognizes all magical children within Britain and Ireland, but never outside. And yet, it made an exception for this one boy."

McGonagall nodded. "That alone is concerning. Either something is wrong with the Book, or this boy… Barrett Walker… is an anomaly the likes of which we've never seen."

"Perhaps we should consult the Book itself," suggested Flitwick. "See what it recorded about this boy."

McGonagall sighed. "I already have. His name appeared two years ago—suddenly. Not as a newborn, as is typical, but as an already powerful magical entity."

A beat of silence fell over the room.

Snape's frown deepened. "That's impossible. The Book records magical births automatically. It does not make mistakes."

"And yet, it did," McGonagall replied, tapping the desk. "Or rather, it was forced to acknowledge him."

"It's as if he came into existence all at once," Flitwick murmured. "Or as if something awakened his magic in a way that couldn't be ignored."

Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled, betraying his growing intrigue. "A child whose magic was hidden until recently? A prodigy with an affinity for both magic and technology? It does raise questions."

"Do you think this could be related to…" McGonagall hesitated before saying his name. "Voldemort?"

Snape scoffed. "The Dark Lord despised anything Muggle. He would never involve himself in something like this."

"Unless it is some new development," McGonagall countered. "A new strategy. A way to counteract what stopped him before."

Flitwick frowned. "But if this boy is aligned with Voldemort, why would he openly use Muggle technology? That contradicts everything Voldemort stood for."

Dumbledore tapped his fingers on the desk. "It is unlikely that Voldemort would change so drastically, but we should not dismiss the possibility that Barrett Walker's arrival at Hogwarts is tied to something greater. After all, we are entering the year Harry Potter is set to arrive."

McGonagall stiffened. "You think the two are connected?"

"Not directly," Dumbledore admitted. "But I cannot ignore the pattern. The Boy Who Lived is returning to Hogwarts, and now, a boy unlike any other appears from across the sea. The timing is… curious."

Snape exhaled sharply. "So what do we do about him?"

"We must consider another issue," McGonagall added. "The Ministry. When they learn that a student used Muggle technology to bypass the traditional owl system, they will take interest."

"Cornelius Fudge will have a fit," Flitwick chuckled. "He still thinks a telephone is Dark Magic."

"More importantly," McGonagall pressed, "The Ministry will ask why Hogwarts even sent a letter to an American boy in the first place. Ilvermorny should have claimed him."

Dumbledore stroked his beard. "Ah, yes. That does present an issue. Barrett had the option of Ilvermorny as well… and yet, he chose Hogwarts."

Flitwick grinned. "Well, I can't blame him for that!"

McGonagall gave him a sharp look but did not comment.

Dumbledore stood, his long robes billowing slightly as he moved. "For now, we must observe. Barrett Walker will come to Hogwarts, and we will learn who he is. If he poses a danger, we will act accordingly. But if he is something else… something new… then perhaps he is a sign of change."

Snape scowled but did not argue. "I don't trust him. He's hiding something."

Dumbledore nodded. "That may be true, Severus. But until we know what he is hiding, we must proceed with caution."

McGonagall sighed but relented. "Very well. But I want eyes on him at all times."

Dumbledore smiled. "Agreed. Let us prepare for an interesting school year."

As the meeting adjourned, the professors departed one by one. The drone still sat on the desk, a silent reminder that a new force had entered their world. Dumbledore looked down at it one last time before whispering to himself:

"What are you, Barrett Walker?"