Chapter 15 - Chapter 15: Gotcha

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Surveillance?

You're bullshitting me!

Lv2 Disillusionment Charm couldn't even be detected by thermal imaging. And you're saying cameras caught it?

Seeing Black Widow still wouldn't tell the truth, Hermione was getting angry.

Hermione snorted coldly.

"You think your little toys can see through my spells?"

Sensing the girl's unhappiness, Natasha quickly explained: "Not during the night of the… punishing evil and promoting good. But earlier when you were working at the shop."

"Based on Erwin's testimony and scene evidence, we determined someone with special abilities was involved. So we pulled street surveillance facing the shop, looking for clues. Accidentally discovered you working there."

"You know, legally child labor is prohibited on paper. Yet you not only worked there, you appeared in broad daylight before everyone, and no one thought anything was wrong."

"For this, we specifically questioned Erwin. He knew the law. Knew you were a child. But felt nothing wrong about hiring you. Like his cognition was interfered with."

Hermione had a sudden realization: "So you figured I must have some special ability. And two unreasonable incidents both happened at the shop—must be connected."

Natasha said:

"Exactly. So we used facial recognition software to search databases for your identity. Found nothing. Until a few days ago this face appeared in Hell's Kitchen. But when we sent people to make contact, we were a step too late. You'd already left. Until today you appeared again."

I see.

"Good thing my magic didn't slip up. Otherwise if people knew Muggles saw through my spell, I'd definitely be laughed at by the other three houses."

Hermione patted her chest. As if relieved. Praised: "Hmph, mere Muggles. Pretty capable though."

Being praised by a child—even if she was a wizard—Natasha's feelings were complicated.

"Alright, I've answered your questions. Now time to erase your memories."

Hermione raised her wand again. Words earth-shattering.

Wait wait!

We were chatting so happily just now. I thought we'd gotten close. Why still erase memories?!

Natasha screamed internally.

Why are kids nowadays so difficult!

Do you have to be this committed to your principles?!

So you answered my questions just so I'd die knowing the truth?

Thanks so much, sis!

Damn it!

Even Natasha, a battle-hardened agent, felt her defenses cracking this moment. Had the urge to curse.

Already believing in wizards' existence, she didn't doubt at all that Hermione had means to erase memories.

Taking a deep breath, Natasha said seriously: "Hermione, sister knows you're a good child. That's why you took the initiative to eliminate those evildoers. Sister's very happy."

"But you should know—not just you, we ordinary people are also working hard to maintain world peace. Our Strategic… S.H.I.E.L.D. specifically helps good people fight bad people. Also partners in justice."

Oh please… Hermione almost couldn't hold it together.

This instant was the ultimate test of her acting skills.

"Since we're working toward the same goal, we're comrades fighting side by side. Erasing your comrade's memories—isn't that a bit much?"

"On the contrary, keeping our memories means we can better cooperate with you being a little hero of justice. Helping us is helping yourself, right?"

Natasha coaxed persuasively. Pulled out every child-comforting phrase from her brain this lifetime.

"But the Ministry of Magic forbids revealing the wizarding world's existence to Muggles. If people find out, you'll still have your memories erased by Ministry agents. Then it won't be someone as reasonable as me. Plus I'll get scolded by Dumbledore…"

Hermione seemed moved. Conflicted expression flashed across her face.

"Don't worry, our Stra… S.H.I.E.L.D.'s confidentiality capabilities are very strong. Even if we're discovered, we absolutely won't say you told us. Besides, you don't tell, I don't tell—who'll know?"

You sure about that? For this matter, I'd still like to hear what Hydra has to say… Hermione mentally complained.

Seeing Hermione almost "convinced," Natasha struck while the iron was hot. Added the final push.

"This matter will be a shared secret between us. A symbol of being partners in justice. How about it?"

"Shared secret…" Hermione bit her lip. As if making some determination. "Alright, but we have to pinky promise. Swear to never betray each other!"

Pinky promise… Natasha laughed internally. Really just a kid. Even wizards are the same. Actually believing this kind of secret-keeping method.

Through contact and analysis of Hermione, Natasha believed she'd completely seen through her.

Though as a wizard she had miraculous magic, age was still there. Essentially just a child. Liked showing off and being praised. Had childishness appropriate for kids. Slightly odd little temper. Plus a degree of fantasy and dreams.

Different from ordinary children: she actually had the ability to realize these ideas.

Just watched too much TV. Or wizard circle culture differed from ordinary people. Led to worldview being subtly abnormal. In some matters didn't seem like a child's proper state.

Like killing without burden.

"Okay, let's pinky promise!"

Natasha extended her pinky. Hooked with Hermione's.

"Pinky promise, hang yourself, one hundred years, can't change!"

Gotcha! Natasha reached out and ruffled Hermione's hair.

Only now did she have leisure to carefully observe Hermione.

Brown slightly curled hair. Cute appearance. Pure and clear eyes. In a few years definitely would be a beautiful little beauty.

Couldn't help but pinch her cheeks.

Hermione endured it. Damn it. For Widow's sake, pinch away.

"I'll go outside to make a call. Report this to our Director. He'll definitely be very happy to know."

Reluctantly released her hand. Natasha stood and walked out. "Be right back. Wait for me, Hermione."

Hermione nodded.

Just then, her sudden words made Natasha's emotions tighten again.

"Oh right, when we pinky promised just now I already cast a spell. People who don't keep promises will die without a burial place!"

Hermione cheerfully said incredibly terrifying words.

Natasha's body stiffened.

"Just kidding! I trust Sister Natasha." Hermione showed a little devil's smile. Both eyes curved into crescents.

Natasha turned back and smiled. Said nothing. Silently walked out the door. Long exhale in her heart.

Talking with this little one is more exhausting than fighting terrorists.

Outside the café, Natasha pressed her ear. Said quietly: "Director, you heard everything on your end. What do we do next?"

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