A selection of notes from 1998, made by Dr Andrew MacDuff, scientist and team leader of Project Koschei, spanning September and October of 1998.
Project Koschei lab notes 1998, assorted dates
10th September 1998
Project Koschei gains two new candidates; 2-65 and 2-66. Female and male respectively. Both are physically strong and fit individuals. Magic inhibitors have been administered in preparation for serum. Both have reacted well to the suppressors; no signs of allergic reactions. Further observations of fitness and possible negative reactions to suppressors will be noted in the following days.
Serum treatments will begin in three days.
13th September 1998
Subject 2-65: First of ten treatments.
Subject 2-65 shows promising signs of survival; gradual titration of the serum appears to have greater success in previous trials. Titration with subject 2-60 was found to be too great a dose, and unlike 2-61, 2-65 has voiced a determination to survive the process (see autotermination, report 36). Use of magic inhibitors are monitoring the slow-release dispersal of the serum admirably- no evidence of abnormal growth or beginnings of necrosis in organ tissues. Nine more treatments required for full saturation of the serum.
20th September 1998
Subject 2-64 terminated for dissection. Autopsy findings report promising muscle growth, however heart failed to support increased strength and muscle mass. Two heart attacks occurred within 12 hours before permission granted for termination. Inspection of the pancreas showed early signs of necrosis, similar to 2-61. Improvements in diet may be necessary for prevention in future subjects.
Biopsy of 2-65 shows increased concentration of the serum in the liver. Previous experience has shown improper dispersion of serum causes abnormal growth and in some cases cancerous growths and necrosis. Attempts to be made to mitigate further side effects. Even distribution of serum remains a problem, but there has been substantial improvement in the process since Koschei's genesis. Eight treatments remain for 2-65.
1st October 1998
Subject 2-62 died overnight. Autopsy shows the serum increased subject's metabolism ahead of schedule. Magical inhibitors were metabolised several hours before next scheduled dosage, resulting in fluctuation in subject's magic. Reactions with the serum caused sudden and uncontrolled growth of bones. 2-63's skin and muscles failed to follow increased growth rate. Resultant bones were frail and 'birdlike' due to uncontrolled expansion.
Possibility of inhibitor potions to create similar problems in other subjects; 2-63, 2-64, 2-65 and 2-66 to be removed from inhibitor potions immediately. External inhibitors may have more success.
Subject 2-63 has four treatments remaining, however my colleague Dr. Fernandez has raised some concerns over their mental stability. 2-63 has had several severe mood swings over the past month, is prone to severe manic depression despite medication and mind wipes- to take a leaf out of our funder's book. Further monitoring is advised to prevent another autotermination (see report 63).
S2-65 is progressing nicely. After the initial errors of the first treatment, the slow release serum has proven to be largely problem-free. Temperament remains friendly and inquisitive, despite evident discomfort. Her partner 2-66 however has displayed several aggressive and hostile episodes, and has disobeyed or attacked a number of my colleagues on numerous occasions, with increased frequency. Suitability as a candidate for this project should be reassessed.
Four treatments remain for 2-65 and 2-66.
Subject 2-64 has one treatment left. I remain optimistic of his success.
5th October 1998
2-63 attacked her handler at 0615 hours. Guards shot her three times before managing to suppress her- once in the leg, twice in the stomach. Her handler has six fractured and shattered bones- definitive evidence of the success of the treatments. Despite the setback, it is satisfying to see that even at seven treatments, the serum has promising effects on the body. Damage to 2-62's leg is already showing encouraging signs of healing, thought her gut wound is proving to be problematic, with several organs all but shredded.
The final treatment of 2-64 was completed today. He has been a worthy candidate of the Koschei program, and his tenth treatment has been as smooth as his others. More observations and biopsies will be conducted in the following weeks, to prove that the serum has been a success. Only then may we take him off the magic inhibitors and tests his true worth to the program.
2-65 remains as problem-free as 2-64. It is interesting to note that both are muggle-born; further studies should be conducted to investigate this correlation. Her temper remains relatively docile, though her naturally high intelligence may not be entirely suitable for the intended outcomes of the project.
In contrast to 2-64 and 2-65, 2-66's aggression appears to grow with every treatment. Restraints are now necessary to prevent him from attacking anyone he comes in contact with. Even a secondary mind-wipe has had little success. Dr. Fernandez is likely to advise his unsuitability any day now.
So this is just a little interlude between chapters. Suspend your disbelief about accuracy of the science here, by all means. (no really, suspend any disbelief. Please). Hermione is subject 2-65, just for clarification, btw.
The next chapter is halfwritten (yay!). Uni permitting, I'll get it up in the next few weeks! Thank-you to everyone who left a comment! You are the absolute best, and I'm glad you've enjoyed the ride so far! XD
For those who're interested, come check me out on tumblr or instagram (cinnaatheart in both cases)! I've got writings and artworks up there. If you're interested, of course.