"Yes, yes. About what Elaina-chan was saying earlier, for calculations at least, I was thinking we might be able to make good use of Muggle technology."
Where Penelope pointed stood the massive machine that Professor Lupin had been fiddling with when we first entered the room.
"This is…?"
When I stepped closer to take another look, it was a structure unlike anything I had ever seen before.
It looked like a grand and bizarre object, as if a cathedral pipe organ had been fused with countless gears. The machine clanked and crashed as gears spun everywhere, producing loud metallic sounds as though it were alive. Here and there, typewriters that were clearly being operated by magic rattled away with brisk tapping noises, while multiple cylinders hissed as pistons repeated their back-and-forth motion. It truly resembled a gigantic living organism made of metal.
Even the twins were left speechless by the bizarre sight, and I quietly whispered to Professor Lupin.
"Um… what exactly is this?"
"It's the realization of a dream by a great Muggle mathematician, Charles Babbage, brought to life with magic."
"I only learned about it myself fairly recently, from books," Professor Lupin added.
As it turned out, because his mother was a Muggle half-blood, he had studied extensively in Muggle libraries together with Farley-senpai, who was also a half-blood, and Penelope, who was Muggle-born. Thanks to that, he had become thoroughly knowledgeable about Muggles.
"Originally, this machine was supposed to become the first computer created by Muggles."
"Supposed to?"
"The British Muggle government of the nineteenth century failed to understand its value. As a result, it was replaced by electrically powered computers, but the underlying principles are astonishingly similar."
According to him, mainstream Muggle computers use electricity simply because it is optimal for miniaturization and high-speed processing. In principle, the same kinds of calculations can be performed using steam and gears as well.
This idea was a hypothesis proposed by a great twentieth-century mathematician named Alan Turing, and in Muggle mathematics books it is apparently described with terms like "Turing-complete."
"Then this is…?"
When Hermione murmured that, Penelope smiled brightly.
"You've probably guessed it. Professor Lupin, Gemma, and I have been secretly building a magical-world version of a computer: the Magical Analysis Engine, the Wizarding Engine."
According to Penelope, they initially considered using Muggle electronic devices, but due to the constraints of the International Statute of Secrecy, they instead focused on the mechanical calculating machines created before the nineteenth century, namely the Difference Engine and the Analytical Engine.
The Difference Engine was essentially like a gigantic gear-driven scientific calculator.
It consisted of numerous towers of gears, which, when operated like a music box, could perform complex calculations. Remarkably, the Muggle who invented it, Charles Babbage, was a figure from the nineteenth century.
"The original one I saw at the National Museum of Science and Industry in London was over two meters tall. That was impractical, so I miniaturized it and flattened it using Transfiguration. I also replaced the steam power with spells from the 'Locomotor' family, and synchronized multiple circuits using spells from the 'Piertotum' family."
Additionally, since calculation speed depends on the rotation speed of the gears, the components were enchanted with both an Unbreakable Charm and an Acceleration Charm, like the one used on the Knight Bus, to enable high-speed processing.
"The original design is rather crude, so this is a prototype we made with the user interface in mind."
What Professor Lupin handed me looked like a magical tool resembling a "small typewriter with a mirror attached." It had a distinctly wizarding retro feel, almost steampunk-like.
"This might even be useful for Gringotts' operations,"
Bill Weasley remarked with interest as he examined the prototype, which had been reduced to about the size of a calculator. When he pressed a random key, an arm moved via leverage and struck ink-soaked ribbons against paper fixed to rollers, imprinting letters and numbers.
The ink then faded away like Riddle's diary, and the calculation result appeared on the mirror-shaped display.
Next, GM Company moved on to the magical version of the Analytical Engine, an evolved form of the Difference Engine and often called the world's first computer: the Magical Analysis Engine.
"If the Difference Engine is an automatic calculator specialized for basic arithmetic, then the Analytical Engine is an automatic computing machine. The major difference is that the latter can be programmed using punch cards."
The Analytical Engine originated from Babbage's idea that placing multiple Difference Engines together might allow for more complex calculations. Unlike a calculator, it also had a conditional branching function.
This function allows the machine, when encountering a decision point during a calculation, to compare the current value against predefined conditions. If the condition is met, it follows procedure A; otherwise, it follows procedure B, continuing the calculation accordingly. Rewriting such complex control instructions, or bundling multiple instructions together, is what is known as a program.
What is even more astonishing is that the Analytical Engine also includes a prototype of a central processing unit, combining an arithmetic unit that executes calculations and judgments based on programs written on punch cards, and a control unit that retrieves programs and issues commands to the arithmetic unit.
"For the input-output and control systems, we applied magic from 'moving portraits' and 'Riddle's diary.' For the arithmetic unit, we used the Magical Analysis Engine itself, and for the memory unit, we adapted the magic used in the Pensieve."
Professor Lupin explained everything carefully.
"What you're looking at now is the very first commemorative model we built. From the second prototype onward, we're developing smaller arithmetic units using Transfiguration spells like 'Reducio,' and linking them to a portable 'diary' device."
As he said that, he took out a neat black diary. When it was opened, a mirror-shaped display was embedded on the inside of the cover.
"So, conceptually, the 'diary' is the user terminal, and the Magical Analysis Engine functions like a server?"
"If I were still a teacher, I'd give Slytherin thirty points for that answer."
Professor Lupin smiled warmly, and Hermione nodded in understanding.
"Still, if this research continues, it seems like it could catch up to Muggle computers…"
When I murmured that, Farley-senpai beside me grinned.
"In fact, when we were securing funding, Elaina's grandfather encouraged us by saying, 'Catch up to the Muggles, and surpass them!'"
"He does tend to believe that magic can do anything."
It was neither Voldemort's pure-blood supremacy nor Grindelwald's wizard supremacy, but rather something like magic-technology supremacy, or perhaps magic absolutism.
"He's still only at the prototype stage, but he's extremely interested in this project. He even introduced us to the latest papers written by a man named Fran from Ilvermorny and by McGonagall, which really accelerated our development."
"Now that you mention it, Professor McGonagall casually installed a battle program into that giant chess set back in first year…"
Come to think of it, that was actually some pretty outrageous magic.
"This field is essentially an extension of Transfiguration. Dumbledore is the towering authority, Professor McGonagall is the leading expert, and Professor Fran is seen as a promising young researcher."
As he said that, Farley-senpai showed us an academic paper on the advanced Transfiguration spell family known as Piertotum. The lead author was a witch named Fran, a professor at Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Fran Biera & Minerva McGonagall (1993), "Selection of Integrated Magical Circuit Models for Constructing Large-Scale Parallel Spell Processing Systems Using Hierarchical Networks," American Association of Contemporary Magic, pp. 26–49.
I see. I have no idea what this means.
If I really tried, I might be able to understand it, but it felt like too much trouble, so I skipped the dense magical formulas and went straight to the final chapter, "Future Prospects and Challenges." According to that, one of the ultimate goals of this field is the completion of "Mystic Automaton General Intelligence," abbreviated as MAGI.
Someday, even in ordinary households, chores, errands, and even personal management like schedules and health could all be handled by the wizarding world's version of AI, MAGI, just like a house-elf. Maybe.
＊＊
"By the way, have you decided on a name for this product yet?"
When Percy asked, Farley-senpai replied.
"It's still provisional, but we're calling the device itself the 'Magical Intelligence Diary, Smart Diary.'"
At that point, it barely qualified as a diary anymore.
"And for the spell-operation charmware, since it's 1994, we're calling it 'Riddle 94.'"
"..."
Riddle 94
According to the seniors, "Riddle also means a puzzle," but naming something like that was truly an act without fear of the gods.
Of course, only Tom Riddle himself, Headmaster Dumbledore, Harry, Ron, and I know that Tom Riddle is Lord Voldemort, so it can't really be helped.
In any case, worrying about it would just mean losing.
"Then, can I ask a question too?"
This time Cedric raised his hand and asked, looking a bit embarrassed.
"To be honest, I still don't really understand how this machine is actually supposed to be used…"
For Hermione and me, who know about Muggle PCs, that was fine, but for pure-blood wizards, wondering "What's a computer anyway?" was a perfectly reasonable reaction.
Even among Muggles, older generations were saying things like, "We already have word processors, fax machines, and calculators. Do we really need a general-purpose computer now?" So it was true that the explanation had been insufficient.
"All right, let's try running a simulation."
Farley-senpai put on a mischievous smile and looked around at the boys.
"Who do you think will win the upcoming World Cup?"
Cedric responded immediately.
"Definitely Ireland. They crushed Peru in the semifinals."
"But Bulgaria has Viktor Krum. He's the best Seeker in the world,"
George objected, but Cedric stated firmly,
"Bulgaria's Seeker is better, sure, but there's only one of him. The other six players are better on Ireland's side."
After listening to the boys' opinions, Farley-senpai smiled with interest and spoke to the familiar "diary" as though addressing an acquaintance.
"Riddle, predict the outcome of this year's World Cup."
At once, the mirror-shaped display attached to the diary began blinking green, and the Magical Analysis Engine located a short distance away started moving in sync.
Farley-senpai's command was automatically transcribed onto magical punch cards, much like Riddle's diary, and read one after another. Cranks arranged like a music box began to turn.
Then, with a clattering sound, countless drum assemblies of gear trains repeatedly rotated, stopped, and reversed. Information was stored, temporarily saved, and displayed through their positions and angles of rotation, and with a cheerful chime of a bell, it seemed the calculation results had been produced.
"The most likely outcome is Bulgaria with 160 points versus Ireland with 190 points, resulting in an Irish victory."
The reply came back in a synthesized voice that somehow sounded familiar, smooth, and pleasantly handsome.
"Riddle, go into more detail."
"The scope of the question is unclear. Please provide more specific instructions."
"Riddle, how is the scoring broken down?"
"Quaffle points: Bulgaria, 10 points; Ireland, 190 points. Snitch points: Bulgaria, 150 points."
Fred pulled a slightly conflicted expression at Riddle 94's answer.
"Hey, Riddle. If he knows they're going to lose, why does Krum catch the Snitch?"
"Based on past data, when Quaffle possession rates and point differentials exceed a certain threshold, Viktor Krum exhibits this tendency."
Farley-senpai stepped in to clarify Riddle 94's mechanical response.
"In short, it's probably like, 'Let's grab the Snitch and end it before we embarrass ourselves like England did,' right?"
Incidentally, England had suffered a crushing defeat against Transylvania by a score of 10 to 390, greatly disappointing many fans.
"That does sound plausible. I feel like Charlie said something similar,"
Bill nodded in agreement, while Cedric and Percy, clearly intrigued, picked up a sales pamphlet from the table titled Thirty Things You Can Do with Riddle and began chatting to it in various ways.
"Riddle, what's the weather tomorrow?"
"Please specify a location."
"What's the weather like at the Quidditch World Cup venue?"
"Sunny, then cloudy."
"Riddle, play some music that'll really hype things up."
The moment Fred cut in with that request, a deafening blast of sound erupted, mixing various voices and instruments together. Everyone hurriedly clapped their hands over their ears.
"Stop! Cut it out!"
When Professor Lupin shouted, Riddle 94 obediently quieted down, but then promptly froze and began rebooting.
A problem has occurred. Rebooting Riddle. (12% complete)
"What on earth happened?"
When Fred asked, Professor Lupin answered.
"Your command confused Riddle. Vague instructions like 'something that feels exciting' are difficult even for humans."
"And there's one more thing," Professor Lupin continued.
"I forgot to mention earlier that while the arithmetic unit uses the Magical Analysis Engine, the control unit employs a consensus-based system made up of multiple 'moving portraits.'"
"Consensus… like how the portraits at Hogwarts talk things over with each other?"
At Hermione's words, Professor Lupin nodded.
"If you base it on the portrait of a single person, that individual's values end up being reflected too strongly."
"Then this 'Riddle' has…"
"Using the magic of those moving portraits, we transplanted and combined the thought patterns of Gemma, Penelope, and myself into the control unit, forming a single system."
"That means…"
Realizing the implication of what Professor Lupin was saying, the words slipped naturally from my mouth.
"It's like a pseudo Sorting Hat, isn't it…?"
I had heard that the Sorting Hat contains copies of the personalities of the four founders, and that during sorting, it determines which house best suits a student.
But looked at another way, perhaps the true essence of the Sorting Hat lies in the collective intelligence formed by the copied personalities of the four founders, Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin, working closely together and acting as a single mind.
If that is the case, then this Riddle 94 might also be better understood as a pseudo Sorting Hat–type AI, composed of three different thought patterns: Professor Lupin's Gryffindor, Farley-senpai's Slytherin, and Penelope's Ravenclaw.
All three were former prefects, so they certainly had the qualities needed to represent their houses. All that was left was to add a Hufflepuff prefect to complete the set…
Ah.
Before I knew it, Farley-senpai's gaze, like someone licking their lips before a hunt, and Penelope's gaze, like a scientist eyeing a lab animal, had locked onto Cedric Diggory, the model Hufflepuff student.
"Huh?"
"Hey you there, want to try doing something fun with us big sisters?"
"It's fine, we won't hurt you."
By the time he realized he was in danger, it was already too late. Even the twins, who never missed a chance for mischief, joined in, and the four of them began closing the circle like hunting velociraptors, while Cedric slowly backed away.
"You should rack up experience while you're young, you know?"
"Relax, it'll be over before you finish counting the stains on the ceiling."
"Forget all the hard stuff and just be with your big sister."
"Hehe, you're a good boy, so behave yourself, okay?"
"I'll accept those three acting as usual, but hasn't Clearwater-senpai completely changed character here!?"
At Cedric's cry, Professor Lupin hurriedly stepped between them. As I watched him calm them down with a firm but trusting "Stay, stay," rather than trying to dominate them, I let out a small sigh.
"Thinking about it now, the Hogwarts founders were really born too early for their time…"
From what I later heard in more detail, the magic the founders used on the Sorting Hat has become lost technology and relies heavily on artisanal craftsmanship. To increase versatility, the Riddle series aims to reduce costs by combining that magic with Muggle technology.
In the future, server rooms to house the Magical Analysis Engine, Wizarding Engine may be installed at Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic. Amid a crisscrossing magical wireless network, the WWN, devices called Magical Intelligence Diaries, Smart Diaries, equipped with the Riddle system, might one day become as essential to wizards as wands.
＊＊
"And that brings us to the main point,"
After finishing her teasing, Penelope-senpai suddenly adopted a serious expression and stood before me and the twins.
"I really hate to ask, but I want you to help us with a rush job so we can demonstrate Riddle at the shareholders' meeting before the World Cup."
In the seniors' assessment, the World Cup period, when as many as a hundred thousand wizards would gather, was the perfect opportunity to attract attention.
"But opportunities also carry risks, so we want to get as close to zero risk as possible. Could you help us prepare so that troubles like what just happened never occur?"
She put particular emphasis on the word "troubles," clearly thinking about the possibility of such errors occurring during the actual presentation.
In recent years, the British wizarding world has leaned strongly toward stability and risk avoidance. Even if you can name ten good points, a single noticeable flaw is enough to scare away investors.
"Of course, we'll pay a special allowance. So please, I'm asking you too. Lend us your strength."
Farley-senpai also spoke in an unusually serious tone and bowed deeply. Calling it an elite team sounded nice, but the reality was that their manpower shortage was severe.
"Well, George and I don't mind!"
The twins agreed, and Hermione and I, having already finished our homework long ago, had no objections either. Cedric and Jordan felt the same. Bill and Percy said they couldn't help directly due to work, but they were happy to offer advice anytime.
＊＊
And so, with everything set in motion, a demonstration that would decide the fate of GM Company was scheduled to take place before the World Cup. The one who ended up having to give the presentation was the honorary chairwoman, a title that only seems useful on occasions like this.
Who was she, you ask?
Yes. It was me.
(End of chapter)
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