Chapter 30: The Wayne Manor of Britain – A Fortress in the Making
The carriage moved silently through the mist-covered countryside, drawn by a pair of Thestrals that only a select few could see. Barrett Wayne sat comfortably inside, his eyes scanning the thick, ancient forest that lined the narrow road. Alfred sat beside him, ever composed, while across from them sat Ragnok, a high-ranking goblin from Gringotts, and two of his associates. The meeting had been arranged in absolute secrecy.
As they reached their destination, the carriage came to a halt before a colossal wrought-iron gate, covered in runes that flickered with latent power. Beyond the gate lay an expanse of land stretching as far as the eye could see. Rolling hills, dense woodlands, and a grand manor house stood in the distance, its towering spires piercing the sky. The sheer vastness of the estate made it clear that this was no ordinary property.
Ragnok stepped forward, his sharp eyes scanning Barrett. "This land has been untouched for centuries. The last known owner vanished under mysterious circumstances, and since then, no wizard has dared claim it. The wards here are ancient, tied to ley lines older than even Hogwarts."
Barrett exhaled slowly, stepping forward. The moment his foot touched the ground beyond the gate, a ripple of power surged through the air. Symbols that had long lain dormant ignited across the gate and perimeter walls. The very air vibrated, a low hum reverberating across the estate. Alfred stiffened at the sensation, his instincts honed through years of experience.
Ragnok and his fellow goblins exchanged wary glances. "It would appear," Ragnok murmured, "that the estate recognizes you."
Barrett merely smirked. "Good. Then let's begin."
The first order of business was expansion. Though the manor itself was already grand, it was not enough for what Barrett envisioned. He had no interest in a mere luxurious home—this was to be a fortress, a research center, a command post from which he would operate without interference.
His orders were meticulous:
A secondary wing dedicated to research and spellcraft, complete with experimental chambers and rune-forged libraries. A vast underground vault, deeper than Gringotts' lowest chambers, reinforced with both goblin and human magic to store ancient artifacts and forbidden knowledge. A high-tech command center, hidden beneath the estate, lined with enchanted mirrors and magical scrying devices that would allow him to monitor wizarding Britain in real time.
Goblins were experts at construction, especially when secrecy was required. Ragnok personally oversaw the operation, bringing in the best craftsmen from Gringotts. Within weeks, tunnels were dug, walls were reinforced, and the estate's perimeter was lined with advanced security wards that would make breaking in a near-impossible feat.
The magical architects, brought in from various parts of Europe, were bewildered by Barrett's demands. Wizards did not usually think this way. Barrett didn't just want luxury; he wanted utility, power, and security. He combined modern technological efficiency with the limitless potential of magic, creating something entirely new.
By the end of the month, Wayne Manor was no longer just an estate. It was a fortress.
With the foundation of his home secure, Barrett turned to another essential element: manpower.
Using a carefully planned strategy, he purchased dozens of house-elves, many of whom had been mistreated or neglected by their previous masters. Unlike most wizards, who treated elves as disposable servants, Barrett recognized their potential.
The elves were brought to the estate, nervous and uncertain about their new master. But Barrett did something unheard of—he paid them wages. He gave them proper quarters, dignified attire, and most importantly, purpose.
Alfred, who had long since mastered the art of discipline and efficiency, took charge of their training. "If you are to serve Master Wayne, you must be more than mere house-elves. You will be protectors, caretakers, and above all—an elite force capable of operating at peak efficiency."
The elves learned:
Advanced cleaning and maintenance, but at speeds and coordination levels unmatched by any magical workforce. High-speed apparition techniques, allowing them to act as Barrett's personal rapid-response team. Basic defensive spells, including powerful warding enchantments and counter-curses.
One particular elf, an elderly one named Thimsy, looked up at Barrett with tears in his eyes. "Master Wayne... never have elves been treated like this. We is... we is honored."
Barrett simply smiled. "You deserve better. Now let's get to work."
Despite Barrett's efforts to keep his movements discrete, the Ministry of Magic inevitably took notice.
Reports began circulating that a mysterious young wizard had purchased one of the largest properties in Britain, hired goblins to fortify it, and was now employing house-elves on a scale unheard of. This alarmed some bureaucrats but intrigued others.
Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, sat in his office, lazily skimming through a report. He scoffed when he read Barrett's name. "A Muggle-born spending more money than the entire Wizengamot? Nonsense! He's probably just some fool with too much gold and no idea how to use it."
His assistant hesitated. "Minister... should we investigate?"
Fudge waved him off. "No, no. Let's keep an eye on him for now. In fact... he might be useful. A rich, naive Muggle-born? Perhaps we can convince him to make some... generous donations to the Ministry."
The wheels in Fudge's head began turning. If Barrett was nothing more than a foolish, wealthy child, then he was an opportunity.
Meanwhile, in a different part of the Ministry, a few more intelligent minds—like those in the Department of Mysteries—began whispering among themselves.
Who was this Barrett Wayne?
As night fell over Britain, Barrett stood atop the highest balcony of Wayne Manor, looking down at his domain.
The estate had been transformed. The wards thrummed with power. The underground research chambers were coming together. The house-elves were rapidly becoming an elite force under Alfred's training.
And the Ministry? They were watching—but they had no idea what they were watching yet.
Barrett smirked. "Let them wonder. The world has no idea what's coming."