Note: Im just finding out i mixed some Chapters so yeah i'm fixing the order thank you rafa_espi
While studying Harry's memories, Mark noticed that in the world of magic, even when a spell was cast incorrectly, the results were not always entirely bad. In fact, there were instances where a failed spell seemed to produce effects more powerful or at least more dramatic than a successful one.
Take, for example, the Forgetfulness Charm(Obliviate). If cast improperly on an opponent, it might not merely erase a specific memory, it might erase all their memories or reduce them to a state of complete mental dysfunction, leaving them in a childlike or even vegetative state. In that sense, a misfire could be, highly effective in neutralizing a threat.
A similar idea was discussed in a magical textbook titled Standard Book of Spells, Grade One, which told the tale of a wizard named Barluffeon. During a basic lesson on pronunciation and incantation, Barluffeon made a critical mistake, he pronounced the letter "f" as "s" in a common summoning spell. The result was that he suddenly found himself lying flat on the floor with a massive wild bull standing on his chest.
At first glance, one might even consider this a convenient accident after all a person could ensure a steady supply of beef! But such thinking, while amusing, is dangerously irresponsible. The truth is, failed spells are unpredictable and often hazardous.
The real danger lies in the uncontrollability of magic gone wrong. A miscast spell might not summon a docile creature like a bull it might bring forth a tiger, a lion, an elephant, a venomous snake, or even a blue whale from the depths of the sea. Such outcomes would escalate a simple mistake into a catastrophe. Magic that fails to behave as intended may not only harm the caster but also endanger everyone nearby.
In fact, Harry's professors repeatedly warned students of the risks of magical accidents. Several wizards had died from their own errors or from trying to take shortcuts in spellcasting. That same unfortunate wizard Barluffeon, for instance, was crushed to death by the very bull he had accidentally summoned. Considering that a full-grown bull can weigh nearly a ton, having one appear out of thin air and trample you is no small matter.
The consequences of conjuring something unpredictable extend beyond embarrassment. It becomes a matter of life and death. Even magical creatures or entities summoned in error could spiral quickly out of control, especially when invoked by an inexperienced wizard.
After the X-Jet lifted off from their remote airstrip, Professor Charles turned to Mark and spoke with quiet concern.
"Mark, you really didn't have to come along. Erik and I are more than capable of handling this situation ourselves."
Charles's tone was warm but firm, the voice of a mentor who saw great promise in his young student but also wished to protect him from unnecessary danger. Though Mark was incredibly powerful and adept in combat, he was still a teenager. Charles genuinely hoped that Mark could spend these years focused on learning, building friendships, and experiencing a more peaceful kind of youth.
Situations involving diplomatic negotiations or threats from hostile agencies, he believed, were best handled by adults. Children, even gifted ones, should not have to bear the weight of such responsibility.
Erik, however, offered a different perspective and spoke up before Mark could reply.
"Charles, Mark's presence is a strategic necessity. The enemy has already demonstrated they can build machines to counter your abilities. If S.H.I.E.L.D. has developed anti-telepathy measures at their headquarters, your powers could be neutralized the moment you set foot inside. That would leave us dangerously vulnerable."
He continued, his voice calm but firm,
"You've said yourself this meeting is meant to build trust and foster peace. If that's the case, then we can't just destroy their equipment to protect ourselves. But with Mark here, they'll hesitate. His presence is a deterrent. If they try anything while your powers are disabled, they know there will be immediate and devastating consequences."
Charles sighed, knowing that Erik had a point. And, truthfully, it was only after much insistence from Erik that Mark had been allowed to join the mission at all.
Mark, seated nearby, gave a light-hearted response to break the tension. "Professor, I'm just happy to help out the school. But if I get to come along, maybe the cafeteria can start serving larger portions."
Charles chuckled, shaking his head. "Even if you'd stayed behind, I'd have made sure the kitchen kept you and all the students well fed."
Despite his reservations, Charles acknowledged that Erik was right. Having Mark along, especially given his raw power and versatility might help ensure their negotiations with S.H.I.E.L.D. would proceed without deception or hostility.
After all, the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. likely wouldn't want Mark to lose control and transform into a rampaging Giant Ape in the middle of Washington, D.C. That alone would motivate them to behave responsibly during the talks. More importantly, they were not aware that Mark could only assume that monstrous form during a full moon, nor did they know that he had not yet mastered control over it.
In fact, only a small number of individuals were fully informed of Mark's transformation, Wolverine, Storm, Jean, Cyclops, and Colossus. Even Erik had been kept in the dark, as Charles had instructed the others to maintain strict confidentiality for Mark's safety.
"Brace yourselves," came the voice of their pilot, Mystique over the comm system.
As a mutant capable of speaking countless languages, operating all types of vehicles, and hacking into virtually any system, Mystique was more than qualified to handle the flight. In this mission, she had taken over piloting duties to allow the others to conserve their energy.
With a low hum, the X-Jet activated its stealth systems and shot across the sky, heading directly for the capital.
Back at the school, Storm and Cyclops remained behind with a team of senior students to safeguard the campus in case of another unexpected attack. Their absence would have left the school vulnerable, so their strategic presence was necessary.
Onboard the jet, Mark turned to Charles again with a question that had been on his mind for days.
"Professor, do you know any brilliant scientists? I'm looking for someone who might help me construct a magical device using Adamantium."
Charles nodded with interest, recognizing immediately what Mark was referring to.
"Yes, I do. His name is Hank McCoy. He's one of the founding members of the X-Men and also a professor here at the school. In fact, many of the school's machines and systems were designed by him. Although he's not currently on campus, he's in the capital right now, helping to establish a government agency dedicated to mutant affairs. You'll likely meet him very soon."
Establishing a school to educate and support young mutants was only part of the mission. Charles had always believed that in order for mutants to live peacefully among humans, there needed to be institutional changes, government departments that understood and respected the needs of mutant citizens.
He hoped that by helping the children of influential political and social figures, he could slowly reshape public policy. There were many parents who loved their mutant children and would do whatever they could to support their futures. Through these families, Charles aimed to convince lawmakers to create a Mutant Affairs Division an official organization responsible for safeguarding mutant rights and overseeing their integration into society.
Hank was spearheading this effort and had already made considerable progress. If not for the assassination attempt on the president orchestrated by an external manipulator, the department might already have been established within a few short years.
Charles believed that once this division existed, illegal experimentation and unlawful persecution of mutants such as those carried out by certain rogue scientists, could be classified as crimes punishable by both mutant and human law enforcement agencies. With legitimate representation and formal legal protections, the mutant population could finally have a secure place within society.
However, not everyone shared Charles's optimism.
From the back of the jet, Erik let out a soft but unmistakable scoff.
He knew all about Charles's plans to collaborate with the government, and he couldn't have disagreed more. In his view, such departments would ultimately be nothing more than tools for surveillance and control. Unless mutants held positions of authority within every branch of power, any organization "for mutants" would be a weapon designed against them.
"Let mutants police other mutants," he muttered internally.
"Then when we resist, they'll point to us and say, 'See? Even your own kind agree you're dangerous.'"
Meanwhile, Mark's thoughts had returned to Hank McCoy. The professor's mind raced with admiration and anticipation.
Mark recalled that Hank had originally worked for the intelligence services before joining the X-Men. He had been responsible for designing the Cerebro, the jet's cloaking technology, and even the fully simulated training chambers within the school. His contributions to genetics and mutation science were unparalleled.
And, as Mark vaguely remembered, Beast and Mystique had something going on in X-Men first xlass
———————————————
patreon.com/Lonely_Translator
———————————————