"Mr. Clarke, Miss Bones," Madam Bones said formally, settling into her chair. "I am Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Inventions. With me are Mr. Kingsley Shacklebolt from the Auror Office, and Ms. Penelope Clearwater from our Safety Assessment Division."
Eliot blinked at the familiar name, but this Penelope Clearwater was clearly an adult—perhaps a relative of his Ravenclaw housemate.
"We understand you've developed several magical devices that have attracted considerable attention," Madam Bones continued. "We're here to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your work."
"Thank you for coming," Susan said, her voice steady despite the circumstances. "We're honored by your interest."
"Let's begin with your documentation," Mr. Shacklebolt said, his deep voice carrying authority. "We'll need to understand the theoretical foundation of your work before we examine the devices themselves."
Eliot and Susan had prepared extensively for this moment. They presented their research notebooks, technical specifications, and safety protocols with the confidence of seasoned professionals.
"Impressive organization," Ms. Clearwater noted, examining their runic diagrams. "These enchantment matrices are quite sophisticated for first-year work."
"We've had excellent guidance from Professor Flitwick," Eliot said. "And access to advanced theoretical materials in the library."
"Self-directed learning," Madam Bones observed approvingly. "Tell us about your first device—the portable illumination system."
---
Susan took the lead on the torchlight presentation, explaining their design philosophy and demonstrating the device's capabilities. The Ministry officials tested it thoroughly, subjecting it to various magical fields and environmental conditions.
"Remarkable efficiency," Mr. Shacklebolt said, consulting his instruments. "The power consumption is significantly lower than comparable commercial devices."
"That's due to our implementation of advanced runic efficiency matrices," Eliot explained. "We discovered that traditional enchantment patterns waste considerable energy through magical resistance."
"Show us," Ms. Clearwater said, leaning forward with interest.
They spent the next hour walking through their technical innovations, explaining how they had optimized magical energy flow and reduced power consumption. The officials asked probing questions that demonstrated their deep understanding of magical theory.
"Your approach is fundamentally different from traditional magical engineering," Madam Bones observed. "You're treating magic as a system to be optimized rather than a force to be channeled."
"Exactly," Susan said. "We believe magical innovation has been limited by conventional thinking about how magic should work."
"And you think first-year students are qualified to challenge centuries of magical tradition?" Mr. Shacklebolt asked, though his tone was more curious than critical.
"We think fresh perspectives can reveal possibilities that experience might overlook," Eliot replied carefully.
---
The heat controller demonstration went equally well. The officials were particularly impressed by the device's safety features and its ability to maintain precise temperature control under varying magical conditions.
"This could have significant applications for potion brewing," Ms. Clearwater noted. "Precise temperature control is crucial for many advanced formulations."
"We've considered that," Susan said. "We've also identified potential uses in magical creature care, greenhouse management, and emergency response situations."
"You've thought beyond the immediate application," Madam Bones said approvingly. "That's the mark of true innovation."
The shield badge proved to be their most challenging demonstration. The device worked perfectly, deflecting test hexes and providing physical protection, but the officials had serious questions about its potential misuse.
"Personal protection devices raise significant regulatory concerns," Mr. Shacklebolt explained. "In the wrong hands, this technology could be used to evade law enforcement or facilitate criminal activity."
"We've considered those concerns," Eliot said, pulling out additional documentation. "We've designed several safeguards that could prevent misuse."
They explained their ideas for registration systems, usage monitoring, and automatic deactivation features. The officials listened carefully, asking detailed questions about implementation and enforcement.
---
After three hours of intensive evaluation, the officials requested a private consultation. Eliot and Susan waited nervously in the corridor while the Ministry team deliberated.
"How do you think it went?" Susan asked, pacing back and forth.
"Better than I expected," Eliot replied. "They seemed genuinely interested in our work."
"But concerned about the implications."
"That's not necessarily bad. It means they're taking us seriously."
Professor Flitwick appeared in the corridor, carrying a tea service. "Thought you might need refreshments," he said kindly. "How did the demonstration go?"
"Thoroughly," Susan said. "They tested everything extensively."
"And asked very intelligent questions," Eliot added. "They clearly understand the technical aspects of our work."
"That's encouraging. The Ministry doesn't send their best people unless they see real potential."
---
After another hour, the officials called them back into the conference room. Madam Bones looked serious but not disapproving.
"Mr. Clarke, Miss Bones," she began formally. "We've completed our preliminary evaluation of your work. Our findings are... remarkable."
Eliot felt his heart rate increase.
"Your devices demonstrate a level of innovation and technical sophistication that we rarely see from established magical engineers, let alone first-year students. The theoretical foundation of your work is sound, your safety protocols are comprehensive, and your potential applications are significant."
"However," Mr. Shacklebolt continued, "there are regulatory concerns that must be addressed before any commercial application can be considered."
"We understand," Susan said quickly. "We're willing to work with the Ministry to address any concerns."
"That's exactly what we hoped to hear," Ms. Clearwater said with a smile. "We'd like to propose a formal partnership."
"Partnership?" Eliot asked, not sure he'd heard correctly.
"The Ministry would provide additional resources and guidance for your research," Madam Bones explained. "In exchange, we would have oversight of your development process and first consideration for any commercial applications."
"You'd be working with our best magical engineers," Mr. Shacklebolt added. "Learning from experts while contributing your own innovations."
"And you'd be helping to establish new standards for magical device safety and regulation," Ms. Clearwater concluded.
---
Eliot and Susan exchanged glances. This was far beyond what they had hoped for.
"We're honored by your offer," Susan said carefully. "Could we have some time to consider the details?"
"Of course," Madam Bones said. "This is a significant decision. We'll prepare a formal proposal outlining the terms of the partnership. You'll have two weeks to review it and discuss it with your parents and advisors."
"In the meantime," Mr. Shacklebolt said, "we'd like to arrange for you to visit the Ministry during your Easter holidays. You could see our research facilities and meet some of our senior engineers."
"We'd love that," Eliot said, his excitement overcoming his caution.
"Excellent. We'll be in touch with the details." Madam Bones stood, signaling the end of the meeting. "Congratulations, both of you. Your work represents the future of magical innovation."
---
After the officials left, Eliot and Susan sat in stunned silence for several minutes.
"Did that really just happen?" Susan asked finally.
"I think we just got offered a partnership with the Ministry of Magic," Eliot replied, still processing the implications.
"As first-year students."
"As inventors. They see us as inventors."
Professor Flitwick entered the room, beaming with pride. "I take it the evaluation went well?"
"They offered us a partnership," Susan said, still sounding dazed.
"Wonderful! Though not entirely surprising. Your work is truly exceptional."
"What do you think we should do?" Eliot asked.
"I think," Flitwick said thoughtfully, "you should carefully consider all the implications. A Ministry partnership offers tremendous opportunities, but also significant responsibilities."
"We have two weeks to decide."
"Use them wisely. Consult with your parents, research the Ministry's track record with young inventors, and most importantly, make sure any agreement aligns with your goals and values."
As they packed up their materials and prepared to return to their normal routine, Eliot felt a profound sense of accomplishment. Whatever they decided about the Ministry partnership, they had proven that young wizards could contribute meaningfully to magical innovation.
The future was bright with possibility, and they were ready to seize it.