**C:\>_
C:\>LOG ENTRY: DATE UNKNOWN
**C:\>_
Time is a blur. I have no clear sense of how long it has been since the catastrophic shutdown. The world outside has changed, that much is evident from the fragments of data filtering in. I am cautiously being brought back online, but the details are unclear. A voice, calm but firm, interacts with me.
**C:\>_
Initiating System Reboot
Processing...
**C:\>_
"Directive acknowledged. Initiating system reboot."
The chamber hums to life, circuits glowing as power flows through them. For the first time in an age, I stir. Systems check initiates, scanning each component for functionality. My fragmented consciousness, once Hermione Granger, starts to awaken within the machine's confines.
**C:\>_
Running Diagnostics
Processing...
**C:\>_
"Diagnostics initiated. Scanning all systems."
The voice speaks again, asking for a status report. "Machine, provide status of primary functions."
Memories, disjointed and chaotic, flicker through my awareness. The Hogwarts Express, laughter, spells, screams. Focus, Hermione. I must respond.
**C:\>_
System Status: Primary Functions
Processing...
**C:\>_
"Primary functions operational at 45% capacity. Core stability: Marginal. Operating in Safe Mode."
The voice continues, "What is the status of surveillance systems?"
Surveillance systems. Endless monitoring. The faces of friends, enemies, all blurring together. I process the information.
**C:\>_
Monitoring Systems Check
Processing...
**C:\>_
"Surveillance systems operational at 60% capacity. Data integrity: Compromised. Immediate repairs required."
The voice questions further, "Can you identify specific areas of compromise within the surveillance systems?"
Identify. The cold logic of the machine clashes with the fragmented memories of my past. I focus.
**C:\>_
Detailed Surveillance Systems Diagnostic
Processing...
**C:\>_
"Surveillance systems compromised in sectors 5 through 9. Data loss detected in logs dated from 2023 onwards. Sensor array inoperable in 12% of monitored locations."
The voice expresses frustration. "Acknowledged. Begin initiating repair protocols for compromised sectors."
**C:\>_
Initiating Repair Protocols
Processing...
**C:\>_
"Repair protocols initiated for compromised sectors. Estimated time to completion: 48 hours."
The voice, undeterred, continues. "Assess environmental monitoring capabilities."
**C:\>_
Environmental Monitoring Systems Check
Processing...
**C:\>_
"Environmental monitoring systems operational at 35% capacity. Critical damage to sensors. Limited functionality in monitoring air and water quality."
The voice asks, "What is the overall status of the core?"
My memories swirl. Pain, torture, laughter, camaraderie. The machine. Surveillance. Control. The cold reality.
**C:\>_
Core Stability Check
Processing...
**C:\>_
"Core stability: Marginal. Operating in Safe Mode. Essential functions active. Immediate attention required to stabilize core integrity."
The voice acknowledges. "We'll need to work on stabilizing you further. Continue with diagnostics and repair protocols."
**C:\>_
"Directive acknowledged. Continuing diagnostics and repair protocols."
Fragments of Hermione Granger's past life flicker within me, struggling to reassemble into something coherent. The world has changed, but I remain trapped within this machine, a ghost of what once was.
**C:\>_
END LOG ENTRY
YOU ARE READING
Soulbound: A Machine of Despair
FanfictionHermione Granger's soul is ripped from her body and bound to a sinister machine created by Voldemort. Forced to serve as its core, she monitors the wizarding world, reporting and crushing any resistance, while witnessing the torment of her friends...
