Chapter 20: Jon's Hidden Wand

"Remarkable, isn't he?" Ron's voice echoed through the stone stairwell, his words punctuated by the rhythmic clatter of their shoes against the worn steps. He was speaking of Jon, the man they now knew as Mad-Eye Moody. "But there's something off about him, something unsettling. It's like sharing a room with a ticking time bomb. Yet, he's a man who's seen the world, faced Death Eaters without flinching!"

Harry and Hermione exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of amusement and concern.

"The Unforgivable Curses aren't named so lightly, Ron!" Hermione, leading the way, turned to face them, her brows furrowed in disapproval. "I don't think it's appropriate for him to demonstrate such spells in a classroom!"

"Oh, come off it, Hermione!" Ron retorted, his voice echoing off the stone walls. "Did you see Malfoy's face? He practically wet himself in front of everyone."

"And he was crying!" Harry chimed in, a grin spreading across his face. "I think Professor Moody is a genius in his own right."

As the words left his mouth, a hand landed heavily on Harry's shoulder. Startled, the trio spun around to find themselves face-to-face with the man they'd been discussing.

"Professor Moody?" Harry stammered, his eyes wide.

Jon patted his shoulder again, his gaze steady. "I have something to show you," he said, his voice gruff. He turned to leave, then paused, glancing back at Ron and Hermione. "You two should come as well."

With that, he limped away, leading them up the stairs to his office. Once inside, he carefully removed his artificial leg and settled into his chair. He reached for a cloth-covered object on his desk, revealing a collection of strange arm gadgets.

"Blimey, what are those?!" Ron blurted out, his eyes wide with curiosity.

The gadgets resembled arm guards, but they were filled with intricate parts and mechanisms. Their purpose was unclear, but they were undeniably fascinating.

Jon didn't answer Ron's question. Instead, he gestured towards the gadgets. "Try them on," he instructed.

The trio exchanged uncertain glances. Hermione, ever the brave one, reached out first. "Alright, sir," she said, her voice steady as she picked up one of the arm gadgets.

The room fell silent as they each took a turn trying on the mysterious devices. The gadgets were heavier than they looked, their cool metal surfaces etched with runes that glowed faintly under the dim light. As they adjusted the straps and explored the mechanisms, they could feel a strange energy pulsing from the devices, a sensation that was both thrilling and terrifying.

Jon watched them, his one good eye gleaming with a strange intensity. "These," he began, his voice echoing in the quiet room, "are more than just gadgets. They're tools, weapons even. They're a part of me, a part of my past, my battles."

He paused, his gaze drifting to the window. "I've seen things, faced horrors that you can't even begin to imagine. I've stared death in the face, fought it, and lived to tell the tale. These gadgets, they're a testament to that. They're a part of my story, my legacy."

He turned back to them, his gaze intense. "And now, they're a part of yours. Use them wisely."

As Hermione confidently slipped her hand into the gadget, Harry and Ron followed suit. The contraption was peculiar, yet intriguing. It was designed to be worn like an arm guard, with a series of mechanisms to secure it in place.

"Wrong way, Mr. Weasley!" Jon's voice cut through the room, a hint of amusement in his tone.

Harry and Hermione chuckled as Ron, his face flushing, fumbled to correct his mistake. Once they had all successfully donned the devices, Jon instructed them to insert their wands.

The trio exchanged puzzled glances, but upon closer inspection, they discovered a slot designed specifically for a wand. With a shrug, they each slid their wands into place.

"Now, let me demonstrate," Jon said, his voice commanding their attention.

With a swift motion, he swung his arm and spread his fingers. A soft click echoed through the room, and a wand sprung from the device, landing neatly in his hand. The entire process was so swift, it seemed as though the wand had simply materialized in his grasp.

"Blimey, that's brilliant!" Harry exclaimed, his eyes wide with awe.

"Can we do that too?!" Ron asked, his voice filled with excitement.

Hermione, ever the analytical one, had a different question. "Professor Moody, did you create this device yourself?"

Jon nodded, taking a sip from his potion. "Yes, any questions?"

Hermione hesitated, her brow furrowed in thought. "It's just... this device is incredibly practical, especially for wizards. Why hasn't something like this been introduced in the wizarding world?"

Her question hung in the air, a testament to the importance of wands in their world. In a duel, the wizard who drew their wand first often held the advantage. It was akin to a cowboy duel in the Wild West, where the first to draw their gun often emerged victorious.

Jon leaned back in his chair, his gaze thoughtful. "A valid question, Miss Granger," he said, his voice low. "The wizarding world is steeped in tradition, and change is often met with resistance. But remember, innovation is the key to survival. This device is a testament to that."

His words resonated with them, a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of their world.

Jon had always found the traditional method of drawing a wand cumbersome. He'd been inspired by the Hidden Blade from "Assassin's Creed", where a swift hand movement would trigger the blade's release. As a recent graduate with a technical background, he'd enjoyed tinkering with machines and had spent considerable time crafting this device.

"But why give it to us?" Hermione asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Jon paused, his gaze thoughtful. "It's a complex matter. Mr. Weasley, would you mind closing the door?"

His decision to share the device was a strategic one. If his plans were discovered, he could use the device to swiftly transport Harry to Riddle's graveyard, overpower Wormtail, and force the resurrection of Voldemort. However, this approach carried risks, particularly for Harry. Despite Voldemort's insistence on being the one to kill Harry, there were Death Eaters eager to prove their loyalty by attempting the deed themselves. By giving the trio the devices, Jon hoped to provide them with a means of protection, while also earning their trust.

The room fell silent as Ron closed the door. "Do you know why I taught you about the Unforgivable Curses?" Jon asked, his voice low.

The trio shook their heads, their eyes wide with anticipation. Jon turned to Harry. "Because you, Mr. Potter, are the only known survivor of the Killing Curse."

"Me?" Harry asked, his voice barely a whisper. He couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration. It seemed every major event in the wizarding world somehow revolved around him.

"Despite my retirement, I still have contacts within the Ministry of Magic. There's been talk of trouble brewing, and I fear something significant is on the horizon," Jon explained, weaving a tale to convince them of the urgency.

"You believe this involves Harry?" Hermione asked, her voice steady despite the gravity of the situation.

Jon nodded. "Yes, if my instincts are correct, the Death Eaters are plotting something, and it likely involves You-Know-Who."

"Voldemort?" Harry asked, his voice firm.

"Indeed. You're a brave boy, Harry. Few wizards dare to utter his name," Jon said, his voice filled with respect. "I taught you about the Unforgivable Curses to prepare you for the dangers you may face. Death Eaters won't show mercy simply because you're kids."

"In essence, I hope you can use these devices to protect yourselves and your friends," Jon said, his gaze shifting to Ron and Hermione.

With some effort, he rose from his chair, leaning heavily on his crutches. The trio rushed to assist him, but he waved them off. "I'm fine," he assured them, patting their shoulders.

"Go on now. Be careful," he said, ushering them towards the door.

"Thank you, Professor Moody," Hermione said, her voice filled with gratitude.

"Thank you," Harry echoed.

Ron hesitated, then blurted out, "I'm sorry, Professor Moody. I spoke ill of you earlier."

Jon chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "No harm done, Mr. Weasley. I've grown quite accustomed to it."

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