Chapter 1: A Different Kind of Magic
Alex was sitting at a corner table in the Hogwarts library, a place of quiet sanctuary for the students, but it had become something more for him today. Hermione Granger, the brightest witch of their generation, was beside him, her brow furrowed in concentration as she sifted through a pile of ancient magical texts. It wasn't often Alex found himself in this position—learning from someone like Hermione. But there he was, trying to wrap his mind around the intricacies of magic he'd never even imagined.
He wasn't sure what exactly he expected when he asked her to help him understand the balance between his duties as a Ranger and the magical world of Hogwarts, but she had agreed without hesitation, and they quickly fell into an easy rhythm. Hermione explained complex spells, sharing tips on staying focused and sharp while also dealing with the pressures of their respective lives.
Alex was surprised by how quickly time seemed to pass in her presence. They had spoken about everything from magic to strategy, and with each moment, Alex felt a stronger pull to the person beside him. She wasn't just brilliant; she was grounded, approachable—like someone who made the impossible seem not only possible but simple. The connection between them grew, though Alex wasn't sure if he should read too much into it.
Just as Alex was about to ask another question about magical theory, the doors to the library burst open, startling both of them. Alex's eyes shot up immediately, recognizing the menacing sound before even seeing what caused it. The sound of grinding metal filled the air, followed by the unmistakable thud of mechanical feet.
Tyrannodrones.
They were here.
"Alex, what—" Hermione's voice faltered as the drones stormed into the library, their mechanical arms swiping through shelves, knocking books and tables aside. The library, once a quiet sanctuary, quickly became a battleground.
Without hesitation, Alex jumped to his feet. "Stay down, Hermione!" he shouted, instinctively leaping toward the Tyrannodrones. He had no time to explain.
In a split second, his Megaforce Morpher appeared in his hand. "Megaforce!" he yelled, slamming the device as his suit materialized around him, locking into place.
The Tyrannodrones moved quickly, their glowing red eyes scanning for threats. One of them charged directly at Alex, its claws gleaming with sharp precision. Alex dodged the first strike, rolling to the side and responding with a powerful punch that sent the drone crashing into a row of bookshelves. The force caused books to fly everywhere.
Hermione, still frozen at the table, watched in awe. She had never seen this side of Alex—the Ranger side. He was different now, a warrior, someone she had never imagined could exist in the same world as the young man she had been talking to only moments ago.
Another Tyrannodrone lunged at him, but Alex leapt into the air, flipping over the creature and knocking it down with a swift, powerful kick. He was moving fast, fluidly—his body working on instinct. Yet he still kept an eye on Hermione. He couldn't let the drones get near her.
"I told you to stay down!" he shouted at her, dodging another swipe from a drone.
But Hermione's shock had worn off. She stood from her seat, her wand drawn, ready to help in whatever way she could. "I can't just stand here!" she argued, eyes determined.
"I'm handling it!" Alex snapped, his focus returning to the Tyrannodrones.
With a battle cry, Alex leapt forward, his connection to the Spinosaurus Zord surging through him. "Spinosaurus Power!" he shouted, his Dino Gem glowing bright as the power enhanced his strength. He ducked under a drone's claws, quickly spinning and punching it into the library's stone walls.
The Tyrannodrones scattered in defeat. One by one, they fell, crashing into walls and bookshelves with massive thuds until there was only silence. Alex, panting heavily, stood tall amidst the destruction.
Hermione, who had managed to hide behind a nearby bookshelf, stepped out cautiously, her eyes wide with shock. "What was that? Who were they? And what... what are you?"
Alex quickly deactivated his suit, his body returning to its normal state, but his mind was still racing from the fight. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "Tyrannodrones," he muttered. "I thought they were supposed to be blown up by now. I don't know how they got here."
"Are you..." Hermione hesitated, her voice soft, but there was no avoiding it now. "A Ranger?"
Alex nodded, looking over at her. "Yeah. Part of the Megaforce team. But this isn't the first time I've had to fight these things. I didn't expect them to come after Hogwarts, though. I thought we were safe."
Hermione's brow furrowed. "And now?"
Alex looked around at the destruction, his face tightening. "Now, we clean up." He turned to her, his voice becoming more serious. "I'll handle things from here."
Before Hermione could respond, Alex gave her a brief, reassuring look. "It's safer if you stay out of this. Just stay here. I've got it."
Then, without another word, Alex turned, walking toward the door. In an instant, he was gone, disappearing into the hallways as quickly as he had arrived.
Hermione stood there in stunned silence, taking in the damage, still trying to process what had just happened. She glanced down at the wreckage around her—the books scattered, the shelves overturned. Then, as the realization of everything Alex had said hit her, she whispered to herself:
"This isn't over. Not by a long shot."
