"Hum-"
A low, powerful hum replaced the earlier erratic vibrations.
The barrier stabilized.
No, it was sturdier than before.
The flowing network of silver Ancient Runes covered the black barrier, making it look mysterious and powerful.
"Pfft!"
In the center of the grounds, Mr Crocker suffered a backlash as his magic was drained in an instant. An invisible force sent him stumbling several steps backward before he landed on his backside, his face filled with disbelief.
Holding his wand, he stared blankly at the transformed barrier and muttered:
"Impossible... this is impossible... it... it's alive?"
A deathly silence fell over the entire crowd.
That silence was broken by a clear, amplified voice.
George Weasley's voice rang out over the entire Quidditch Pitch.
"Our thanks to Mr Crocker here from the Ministry of Magic!"
His voice brimmed with sincere, almost overflowing gratitude.
"Thank you for using your professional expertise to find a structural flaw in the updated version of our Integrated Residential Defense Magic System!"
"Congratulations, sir! Through your own efforts, you have successfully activated this system's core function-the Adaptive Iteration Module!"
"As a token of our gratitude, Marauders Power Company has decided to offer you fifty Galleons as a special technical consultant's fee! Please collect it at the grandstand after the competition!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a heavy pouch of Galleons, personally signed by Sirius, appeared before Mr Crocker, who was still sitting on the ground, with a crisp clink.
After a full five seconds of collective silence, the crowd erupted.
Thunderous applause and cheers rang out, filled with awe and excitement.
They had witnessed an extraordinary technological triumph!
A defense system that could diagnose, repair, and even upgrade itself under attack!
This dispelled every doubt outsiders had about Marauders Company's advertising claims.
And there were real Galleons,