"Moreover, even with sufficient materials, I won't brew unlimited amounts for you."
Hermione's voice sounded somewhat cold.
"Why?"
Tony genuinely didn't understand this time.
"You think palladium poisoning counts as poisoning, but magical poisoning doesn't?"
Hermione said lightly. "Wizards can drink potions without side effects because wizard bodies are inherently magical vessels. No rejection of magic.
But you Muggles' bodies are different. Once you drink too many potions, before the illness is cured, the person dies first from undigested magic."
"So the Elixir of Life can't make Muggles truly immortal. Antidotes similarly can't detoxify infinitely."
Hermione started making things up.
I see!
Everyone suddenly understood.
"So what I can do is buy you sufficient time. Keep you from dying before finding a solution."
Hermione pointed at Tony.
"Now, behave and figure something out. Stop seeking death. Don't waste my potion!"
Watching everyone's expectant gazes, thinking of Hermione's consumed potion, Tony took a deep breath. Eyes gradually determined. Hope rekindled.
Motivation's there. But how to find a new element to replace palladium...
Reality's problem lay before him.
Seeing Tony's predicament, Fury stepped forward. "Your father, Howard Stark, left you some things. Currently at S.H.I.E.L.D. Our scientists couldn't research any results. But if it's you, perhaps you can."
"That's also why I came to find you today."
Tony nodded. Instantly surged with endless drive.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"
After Tony and Fury left, the atmosphere among the three became somewhat awkward. No one spoke.
"Little Hermione."
After long silence, Pepper and Natasha spoke simultaneously.
"You first."
"No, you go ahead."
Hermione: "..."
"I... still have classes. If you have nothing else, I'll leave?" She probed.
"Can't skip class?"
Natasha looked at Hermione with hopeful eyes. "How about we cruise around the city? Perfect chance for me to show you New York's sights."
This... really can't skip.
I'm not attending class—I'm teaching!
Leaving Lockhart alone—if he causes trouble, there's no fixing it!
Hermione scratched her head. Noticed the Golden Snitch hanging on Pepper's neck. Suddenly had a flash of inspiration.
Then pulled out a metal bracelet. Handed it to Natasha.
"This is a little thing I made a few days ago. Contains a Disillusionment Charm. Can bend light around yourself, blend into surroundings. Help me test it."
Hermione grinned.
Similar items—she'd made a truckload during previous alchemy experiments. Today perfect for gifting.
This is... a magical item!
Little Hermione actually willing to give me something so precious!
Natasha froze. Heart somewhat moved. Also somewhat guilty.
These days, Pepper had been caring for her. But she'd been on missions. Couldn't properly spend time with her.
Seeing this, Pepper also thought of something. Looked at the golden ball on her neck.
"I just remembered—isn't this your Golden Snitch from the Quidditch Cup?"
Hermione nodded. "Right. As champions, it was kept as Gryffindor team's reward."
"Something so meaningful—really okay to give me?"
Pepper hesitated. "Besides, this was caught by your teammate, that boy with glasses. Won't he have objections?"
"No problem. He wouldn't dare object."
Pepper: "..." Natasha: "..."
Isn't Little Hermione a cute good student?
What's with this school bully statement?
"Time's about up. I should get busy. See you when free!"
Hermione waved to them. Disapparated and vanished.
Pepper and Natasha exchanged glances. Both showed helpless expressions.
"This child..."
Always so busy. Don't know what she's actually busy with. Is Hogwarts' academic pressure this intense?
Natasha caressed the bracelet. Phone suddenly rang.
After answering, Fury's voice came through. Sounded somewhat urgent.
"Agent Romanoff, Coulson's side has an emergency. Urgently needs Miss Witch's help!"
Natasha frowned slightly. "Coulson? Didn't he go to New Mexico? Did something mysterious happen there?"
She knew—unless extraordinary and involving mysterious matters, Fury wouldn't easily seek Little Hermione.
Fury said, "Correct. I've already deployed Sitwell and Barton there to assist Coulson. Other matters they can handle. But one thing needs Miss Witch to personally identify."
"I've sent photos to your phone. If possible, best to have her go personally. Also tell her I've collected more magical materials. Need her help appraising them."
Natasha said helplessly, "You're one step late. Little Hermione just left. Don't know where she went."
"Sigh..."
Fury had no choice either. Deeply felt S.H.I.E.L.D.'s understanding of the mystical side was truly limited. Encountering such matters—everything required asking Hermione.
Hanging up, Natasha looked at the just-received photo. Murmured, "What is this?"
"A... hammer?"
Hogwarts.
"Eighth floor... eighth floor..."
Hermione wandered the castle. Looking left and right. Searching for something.
Until seeing a tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy, her eyes lit up. Stopped.
Arriving at the wall opposite the tapestry, Hermione walked along the wall. Closed her eyes. Concentrated. Began pacing.
Until the third pass, she opened her eyes.
On the originally empty wall—somehow appeared a smooth large door!
"Found it!"
Hermione's heart rejoiced. Pushed open the door and entered.
After the door closed, it slowly shrank. Until disappearing on the wall surface. As if never appearing.
Surveying around, Hermione saw the spacious hall filled with alchemy tables and planting stations. Not far away—another glowing inner door. Faintly visible inside were grasslands and ocean.
Delighted, she hurried forward. Checked each one.
After thinking, Hermione closed her eyes. Concentrated.
The entire massive room seemed to sense her thoughts. Internal decorations and layout began slowly transforming. Wall hangings rose. Carpets appeared. Tables and chairs automatically arranged. Even the dome heightened considerably.
Minutes later, Hermione opened her eyes. Looked at the adjusted layout. Eyes showed satisfied expression.
What is this place? Of course, it's the miraculous...
Room of Requirement!
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