Most of Noah's friends were either engaged or already married. Many of his former classmates even had children by now.
Among that generation, the most successful were undoubtedly Noah and Hermione. Coincidentally, they were also a couple.
The awkward part was that neither of them showed any intention of getting married. There wasn't even the slightest sign of movement in that direction.
Naturally, no one dared comment on it. Their identities were far too special. Only an idiot would gossip about them openly.
Noah was aware of this situation, and it left him a little depressed. It wasn't that he didn't want to act. He had simply been buried in work for years, missing opportunity after opportunity.
But now, almost everything had been settled.
He didn't intend to drag it out any longer.
There were things he should do. For example, proposing to the girl who had been by his side for decades-someone he had known for over forty years.
A mage's lifespan was extremely long. Being in one's forties was still considered youth. For someone like Noah, he would probably still be called a "youngster" at four hundred.
In just forty years, he had achieved what took the Ancient One more than five hundred.
That alone said enough.
Even so, Noah had no intention of making a girl wait forever.
The problem was the proposal itself.
Thinking about it made Noah feel oddly helpless. His competence in this area seemed to be inversely proportional to his magical strength.
"This is troublesome." Noah rubbed his chin. "Fortunately, I know a few Casanovas."
His thoughts quickly landed on someone.
"I'll go ask Tony. Maybe that guy can actually help."
Without hesitation, Noah opened a portal and headed straight for the Avengers Base.
He briefly considered asking the system, then immediately dismissed the idea. A mechanical-magical construct probably knew nothing about romance.
Worse, it would likely mock him mercilessly.
Tony, on the other hand, was different.
Setting aside his... impressive lifestyle, his father had been much the same.
Even if Tony himself was useless, Noah could at least consult Howard's experience.
Either way, they were definitely more reliable than the system.
Howard's situation was also quite good now.
While Noah had been busy reviving the Valkyries, Howard and Maria had gradually returned to a normal rhythm of life. As ordinary people, transitioning from souls back into physical bodies took time.
Even with Tony's technological and magical assistance, it had taken a full year.
Now, they were fully recovered. Their bodies had stabilized, and they had adjusted to the thirty-year gap since their deaths.
"Hey, Tony."
Noah arrived at Tony's office and sat down on the sofa without ceremony.
"Don't complain about my sudden appearance or how busy you are. I've got a problem. I need advice."
"You-"
Tony opened his mouth, then immediately shut it.
Noah had clearly predicted everything he was about to say.
Still, Tony was confused.
Why was the strongest mage on Earth asking him for advice?
He was just a mage-scientist hybrid. Noah could turn him into shattered glass with a casual gesture.
That kind that couldn't be put back together.
Tony's expression turned serious.
This had to be important.
"What's going on?" Tony asked solemnly.
Even Howard and Maria, who happened to come downstairs, instinctively grew serious when they saw the atmosphere.
"Well..." Noah hesitated, rubbed his nose, then sighed. "Forget it. Let me ask this instead. How are things between you and Pepper?"
"Huh?" Tony froze. He looked at Noah blankly, then nodded. "We'll probably get married soon. Why?"
"That's perfect." Noah visibly relaxed. "Then how did you propose?"
"...."
Tony's expression grew strange.
They had been bracing for some incomprehensible question. Maybe even news of a catastrophic disaster.
And Noah was asking about proposing?
Tony rubbed his head, feeling like he was being messed with.
But Noah's expression was sincere.
Painfully sincere.
He really came here to learn this.
Tony suddenly found it funny.
This guy didn't even know how to propose?
Was this really the Sorcerer Supreme who terrified half the universe?
Right now, he looked like a clueless rookie. None of the calm dominance he showed in New York, London, or on the battlefield.
No "I'll kill you all" energy at all.
Tony rubbed his nose, amused.
"You came here just for this?" he asked with a grin. "It's simple. Find a chance, give her a ring, or just slip it onto her finger."
"...Isn't that too direct?" Noah tilted his head. "No surprise. Not much sincerity. I want something more elegant. How did you do it?"
"Me?" Tony paused. "She got pregnant, and then-"
"Useless."
Noah shot him a look of pure disdain.
He felt he had made a terrible mistake.
In the original timeline, Tony's emotional intelligence had been decent. Here, Noah suddenly realized the truth.
This guy was an idiot.
Getting married because the woman was pregnant was not the result Noah wanted.
Noah leaned back, troubled.
Was what he wanted really that unrealistic?
Did he seriously have to get Hermione pregnant first?
It wasn't impossible.
But he had no intention of having a child right now.
Noah sighed.
A wasted trip. Zero gains.
"Lord Fenrir."
Howard spoke up just as Noah hit his lowest point.
"There is actually a very simple way, if you want romance."
Noah immediately straightened. "Just call me Noah. What method?"
Howard thought for a moment. "I've seen reports this past year. Your intended is the British Ministry of Magic's Minister, Ms. Granger, correct?"
"That's right. Hermione," Noah nodded. "Who else would it be? I'm not your son."
"Hey!"
"Shut up, Tony."
Howard smiled awkwardly. "My apologies. I also heard you and Ms. Granger were classmates?"
"Yes."
"Then you must share memories. And those memories..."
Howard stopped there.
Noah's eyes widened.
That's right.
Hogwarts.
That was their school.
More importantly, it was where he and Hermione first met.
Even though he only studied there for three years, it held their shared youth. Professors with distinct personalities. Familiar halls. Familiar faces.
The thought made Noah restless.
He nodded to Howard and vanished instantly.
Tony and the Howards were left staring at empty space.
That was fast.
Too fast.
Not long after, Noah reappeared in the same spot. He slumped into the sofa, propping his head up with a deeply dejected expression.
Everyone froze.
What just happened?
He had left full of excitement and returned like his soul had been sucked out.
And how long had he even been gone? One minute? Two?
Tony couldn't hold it in anymore.
"What's wrong with you? You left and came back immediately?"
"The current Hogwarts isn't the Hogwarts from thirty years ago."
Noah sighed heavily.
"The old classmates are gone. Most of the professors are gone. Parts of the school don't even exist anymore because of renovations and expansions."
"A perfectly good place. Gone."
Tony stared at him, then rolled his eyes.
"You really are an idiot."
"Sometimes you're terrifyingly smart. Other times, how can you be this stupid?"
"What do you mean?"
"Do you remember that group of Avengers? Remember how you rescued them?"
Tony looked at him like he was looking at a lost cause.
"Are you truly an idiot?"