I don't understand her—but YOU do?!
Snape felt mentally exhausted. Didn't want to discuss Hermione further. Asked about another matter.
"Did you know Harry is a Parselmouth?"
Dumbledore's head snapped up. Eyes burst with brilliance.
In that instant, Snape felt the old man before him was no longer the kindly Hogwarts Headmaster—but the greatest wizard of the century returned.
The oppressive aura even surpassed that person!
"I understand now."
Next moment, Dumbledore returned to his original appearance. As if everything just now was illusion.
Scared twice in one day—even with Snape's iron will, he felt stifled.
Watching the immovable Dumbledore, Snape ultimately left the Headmaster's office helplessly.
He knew—Dumbledore had made up his mind. No use saying more.
Dull echoes reverberated through the empty corridor.
Snape walked with dark expression. Long strides forward.
Suddenly, he froze.
A familiar figure appeared ahead.
Light yellow dress, fluffy hair... No—Gryffindor robes. Shoulder-length red hair.
The person he longed for day and night, yet could never reach.
Snape's heart pounded violently. Blood rushed to his head. Felt dizzy.
Could it be... An absurd thought flashed.
But immediately shook his head self-mockingly.
Impossible.
Must be missing her too much. Hallucinating.
Snape approached bit by bit. "Lily's" face became clearer.
Those beautiful eyes... Wait!
Those eyes didn't sparkle with remembered laughter, but... panic?
Snape jolted awake.
Though the eyes resembled Lily's, this wasn't her.
The person before him was Harry!
Harry in a dress. Wearing a wig!
Snape's brain went blank. He stood there stunned.
Harry also froze. Didn't expect right after changing clothes, first person he'd see was the last he wanted to encounter.
"Cross-dressing?"
Harry's mind echoed the two words Hermione had whispered in his ear not long ago.
At the time, he thought it absurd. Didn't take it seriously.
But somehow—maybe the Parseltongue incident clouded his judgment—after returning, he'd inexplicably actually done it!
Now caught. By Snape of all people, who hated him most. He wanted to die on the spot.
Despair.
Hermione ruined me!
He lowered his head. Cold sweat soaked his back.
Air seemed frozen.
Time passed second by second.
Silence.
Deafening silence.
Finally, Snape spoke first.
His voice hoarse, low, carrying barely detectable trembling.
"Potter, what are you doing?"
Harry raised his head. Quickly glanced at Snape. Immediately lowered his head again.
"It's... Hermione..."
He stammered. "She said... this way... maybe..."
He didn't know how to explain. Didn't even know what he was doing himself. Instinctively tugged at the skirt hem. Tried covering those stocking-clad legs.
"I... I..."
Harry stuttered.
Tell Snape he wanted to experience being a girl?
Or that he just thought it was fun?
Either reason sounded mortally stupid.
Snape fell silent again.
His expression complex. Shock, confusion, anger... But more—an indescribable loss.
He stared at Harry intently. Seemed wanting to see something in those eyes so like Lily's.
His gaze made Harry increasingly uncomfortable. Even somewhat creeped out.
Snape's eyes no longer cold and sharp as usual. Instead carried an indescribable feeling.
"Change back."
Suddenly, Snape spoke. Voice slow. Each word squeezed through clenched teeth.
His gaze—completely different from usual—left Harry at a loss.
Could it be... Hermione's method actually works?!
Harry didn't dare say more. Head lowered, silently turned. Quickly walked toward the dormitory.
Only... why did Snape's eyes seem slightly red just now?
Snape stood in place.
Didn't dare look at Harry again. Afraid of shedding tears before him.
Long while later, Snape's emotions finally calmed.
He thought for a moment. Suddenly felt Dumbledore's earlier words weren't entirely unreasonable.
Just demonstrating some Dark Magic.
Perhaps... Harry should have a friend like Hermione? Maybe?
Marvel.
"Another batch of magical materials needs identification?"
Hermione pursed her lips.
Completely unaware she now carried three people's shadows, Hermione listened to the voice on the phone.
Adults should learn to say no to temptation... unless there's more.
"Just say it. What is it this time?"
She cut to the chase.
For Fury to lead with benefits meant some troublesome matter needed handling.
"Ahem..."
Fury seemed choked. Helplessly said, "Miss Witch, it's like this. A small town in New Mexico experienced some... uh... strange events. Might need you to check it out."
"Mysterious incident?"
Hermione interested.
Wait, New Mexico... She immediately thought of a possibility.
Could the hammer have fallen?
Calculating the time—seemed about right. A certain big oaf should've already received his father's heavy punch. About to receive his brother's heavy punch.
A grand family ethics drama about to unfold.
Maybe a chance to score benefits?
"I understand." Hermione's lips curved slightly. "Send me the address."
On the phone, Fury clearly relieved.
"Excellent, Miss Witch. Coulson's already arrived with a team. I'll have him fully cooperate with you."
"Mm. Remember to send the rep—identification materials to Stark Tower."
Fury: (...)
"Alright."
New Mexico.
Coulson spoke into his phone. "Yes, Director Fury. I understand."
"I'll arrange a plane immediately. Pick up Miss Witch right away."
"Whoosh—"
Sound behind him.
Hermione walked out of a portal.
Coulson turned. Seeing Hermione's sudden appearance, words on his lips instantly swallowed.
"Looks like that won't be necessary."
Miss Witch's magic can no longer be described as merely 'impressive.'
Simply miraculous.
"Miss Witch, you're here."
Coulson steadied himself. Maintained professional agent composure. Quickly pulled anomaly incident files from his briefcase. Handed them to Hermione.
"This is all current information on the anomalous event."
Hermione took the files. Scanned quickly.
When she saw that familiar hammer in the photo, inwardly chuckled.
Of course it's you, Mew-Mew!
"Mjolnir."
She said softly.
Coulson and Fury both froze.
"Mjolnir? That name sounds familiar..."
Coulson scratched his nonexistent hair.
Hermione looked surprised. "You haven't heard of Norse mythology?"
"Somewhat familiar." Fury answered.
"Those stories should mention Thor and his hammer."
Fury widened his one eye. Seemed realizing something. "You mean..."
Hermione nodded. Pointed at the hammer in the photo. "This is Mjolnir. The legendary..."
"Hammer of Thor!"
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