The publication of "An Observational Analysis of Sub-Orbital Magical Flight," co-authored by Ariana, Hermione, and Daphne in the International Journal of Modern Magical Theory, was not a paper; it was a global phenomenon. The accompanying magical photographs—pristine, moving images of the curve of the Earth and the fiery surface of the sun, captured by the Medusa probe— were reproduced on the front page of every newspaper from London to Tokyo.
The world went mad.
Ariana Dumbledore was no longer just a war hero or a medical revolutionary. She was now, officially and undeniably, the First Witch in Space. The title was simple, absolute, and carried a weight of historical significance that was almost biblical. She had single-handedly pushed the boundaries of magic into a new, unexplored frontier.
The reaction was a tidal wave of awe and excitement. The Ministry of Magic, now under the firm, competent leadership of Amelia Bones, immediately declared the achievement a landmark moment in wizarding history. The quiet, ambitious work of three teenage girls had become a source of immense international pride.
It was in this atmosphere of global excitement that Ariana announced the next phase of the Chimera Project. She announced it through a formal press conference, organized by a beaming Minister Bones at the Ministry of Magic.
Standing before a hundred flashing magical cameras, Ariana, flanked by Hermione and Daphne, calmly laid out their intention.
"The sub-orbital test flight was a successful proof of concept," she stated, her voice clear and carrying across the crowded atrium. "The vessel is sound. The systems are stable. The next logical step is to proceed with the primary mission objective." She paused, letting the anticipation build. "In five month's time, on the night of the full moon, the A.H.D. Chimera I will undertake its first long-range voyage. Its destination: the lunar surface."
The announcement was met with a deafening roar of applause and a supernova of camera flashes. The world was not just going to read about this; they were going to watch it happen.
The months leading up to the lunar mission was a period of intense, focused preparation. The event was no longer a private test; it was a global spectacle. The Hogwarts Quidditch pitch was transformed. Great, magically reinforced spectator stands were erected. Wards were strengthened. And at the center of the pitch, two colossal magical screens were constructed.
"The communication system has been upgraded," Hermione explained to a fascinated group of Ministry officials. "The Two-Way Mirror link has been amplified. The first screen will show a live feed from inside the Chimera's cockpit, focused on Ariana. The second screen will be linked to a new, forward-facing Medusa probe, showing a real-time, first-person view of the journey from the ship's HUD."
The world would see what she saw, as she saw it.
"Also, the speed has been adjusted. We will increase the power and speed of the vehicle once it is in outer space. Speed will be controlled withing the atmosphere of both the Earth and the moon. We cannot take the risk of a low-speed travel, as complications over time exposure may occur." Daphne was of course analysing everything, leaving no stone unturned for the success of the project as well as safety of the crew member within the spaceship.
There was only one point of contention. "The vessel, in its current configuration, can only safely support one occupant," Ariana had stated firmly in the planning stages. "The life support and power core are calibrated for a single magical signature. Therefore, I will be piloting the mission alone."
Hermione and Daphne had protested, their desire to be part of the historic flight warring with their logical understanding of the risks. More than that, they were worried for Ariana's well-being, not being able to be there with her. But Ariana's decision was final. This was a burden she had to carry herself. They accepted their roles as her mission control, her eyes and ears on the ground.
The night of the launch arrived. The atmosphere at Hogwarts was electric, unlike anything seen since the end of the war. Witches and wizards from every continent had gathered, their tents dotting the hillsides around the castle. The stands of the Quidditch pitch were filled with the most powerful and influential people in the wizarding world: Ministry heads, ancient pure-blood lords, celebrated academics, and, of course, Ariana's own strange, powerful, cobbled-together family.
Sirius and Remus stood with Harry, their faces alight with a fierce, paternal pride. The Weasleys were there in force, their cheers among the loudest. The Greengrasses and the Grangers sat together, a symbol of a new, united world, watching their daughters on the command console. The Longbottoms, Frank and Alice now strong and whole, watched with Neville, their gratitude a quiet, powerful presence. And on the command platform, Dumbledore stood, his eyes shining, watching the student who had surpassed all of his wildest dreams.
Ariana walked onto the pitch. A hush fell over the hundred thousand spectators. She was dressed in a new, more advanced flight suit of silvery-white, her honey-blonde hair braided and coiled tightly. She walked with a calm, serene purpose, her focus absolute.
She paused at the base of the ramp to the Chimera, turning to face her two partners at the console.
"Mission Control, are all systems green?" she asked, her voice broadcast across the silent stadium.
"All systems are green, Chimera I," Hermione replied, her voice steady and professional despite the tears of pride shining in her eyes. "All telemetry is nominal."
"The orbital path is clear," Daphne added, her own voice a calm, cool counterpoint. "You are cleared for launch on your mark."
Ariana looked at them, a silent message of trust and gratitude passing between the three of them. Then, she turned and walked up the ramp, disappearing into the sleek, silver vessel.
A moment later, her face appeared on the first giant screen, clear and composed in the clean, white light of the cockpit. "Internal systems check complete," her voice echoed. "Beginning final launch sequence."
The crowd held its collective breath.
On the screen, they saw her hands rest on the glowing crystal controls.
"Launch in ten… nine… eight…"
The hum of the magical engine began, a low, powerful thrum that was felt more than heard.
"…seven… six… five…"
The blue-white light of the propulsion runes ignited beneath the ship, bathing the pitch in an ethereal glow.
"…four… three… two…"
She looked directly into the cockpit camera, her periwinkle eyes clear, calm, and full of a purpose that seemed as vast as the stars themselves.
"…one."
The hum rose to a crescendo. The Chimera lifted from the ground, silent, graceful, and impossibly powerful. It rose above the pitch, above the castle, a new, man-made star ascending into the heavens, leaving behind a world united in awe. The journey to the moon had begun.