"Perhaps I was wrong in this."
Gellert raised an eyebrow at Albus. "Oh? Wrong about what?"
They were sitting on a bench in the park. It was a wonderful evening, the weather bright and sunny. Why was Gellert here, sitting beside Albus?
Well, he was invited.
"I am a fool," Albus said, staring off at the other side where a family was having a picnic. "I sent Harry to his relatives… all because I wanted him to have a normal life—"
"Let's cut to the chase, Albus," Gellert interrupted. "Because we both know that's just blah, blah, blah." Honestly, who did Albus think he was fooling? Ex-lover or not, Gellert knew him very well.
"You knew something was off about Harry," Gellert continued. "And you sent him to his relatives despite knowing they aren't fond of magic. Maybe, in your heart, you thought he'd turn out like 'Riddle.' Guess what, Albus? Not everyone is him. This kid… he and that monster aren't alike." Then he leaned back. "Then again, we both know how Riddle became a monster in the first place."
Albus didn't flinch. He knew.
Gellert let out a soft yawn, covered his mouth, and glanced around. "You know," he lowered his hand, "despite being young again… I still feel the hollow pains in my joints…"
"I am not even envious of your immortality, Gellert."
"Fair, fair. Oh look, that woman looks hot."
Gellert grinned as Albus slapped his shoulder. It wasn't out of jealousy, but discipline—and he couldn't help but laugh at it.
Even if they were no longer lovers, they were still best friends.
—————
The Ancient One walked through the portal into Stark's living room. She saw him sitting on the couch, reading the spell books she had given him to study further into his magic.
"Have you made any progress?" she asked, the portal closing behind her as she walked over to a chair and sat down. "You finished the basics?"
"Yes, I have," Tony replied without looking up, flipping to the next page. "Weirdly, I didn't need a wand to do magic…"
"A wand won't do much. It would be a staff… however, I can see you've done your research and gone after sorcerer arts."
"I have no plans to dominate the world or whatever. I'm more interested in knowing how to build a body."
The Ancient One leaned back, tilting her head. "A body?"
"For Jarvis." He closed the book and set it on the table. "I'm actually confused about one thing. It's the element of magic. I heard magic and tech don't get along. But I literally build stuff using magic and it works so well. I feel like I'm the hero of the story… Wanna share something with me, Avatar?"
The Ancient One smiled. "Truth be told, one can't let go of the past. And those who try to change usually find a benefit for themselves. It is indeed true—magic and technology can work together…"
Tony stared at her for a moment, finally understanding, then scowled. "Of course, so-called pureblood supreme…"
She nodded. "People don't want to change their old ways. If it were to change, they would lose control. I'm sure you're familiar with this setup."
Tony rubbed his chin. "That's so childish. No wonder they're so stuck in their time. Whenever I go there, it feels like I went back in time… Were wizards too scared?"
The Ancient One sighed. "They were hunted like animals… Once they found a safe haven, they hid there. Most of the witches and wizards who lost their lives were from British lands…"
Tony lowered his gaze. He had read the history—every book he bought from Diagon Alley. Witch hunts.
"Anyway," the Ancient One stood from her seat. "I wanted to ask if you are ready for your training?"
Tony ran his hand through his messy hair. "I've already done the preparation. Tonight I'll go with you."
"Is something wrong, Mr. Stark?"
"Geez, call me Tony."
"As you wish, Tony."
Tony stood up as well. "Does this wizarding world brainwash the children to stay there? Like, you know, one of those fairy tales where the witch baits children with candies and takes them to her house?"
"They do."
Tony wasn't expecting such a calm response and blinked. "I genuinely wasn't expecting you to be so calm…" Then he grew concerned. "Why didn't you do anything? What happens to those children who stay in the wizarding world? Do they even get a stable workplace? A home? Do they come here to visit their families?"
The Ancient One crossed her arms behind her back. "You know the answer to those questions, Tony."
"So, I was right? Brainwash?"
"More or less…"
"That doesn't answer any of my questions, you know?" Tony looked frustrated. "This Ministry of Magic… is a joke."
"I can't argue with that logic. It is a joke… You see, the weakest magic is British." The Ancient One sighed. "And they look down on those they call 'Muggleborn.' I hate that term… I call them new blood. New blood are looked down on a lot… These so-called pure-bloods can't stand that new blood are better than them."
Tony understood most of it, and the rest only fueled his desire to tear them apart. "Oh, they're so gonna love me." It wasn't just about his little brother anymore—no, it was about all of those children.
The Ancient One knew the timeline had changed for good. Of course, she could no longer see the future.
The Time Stone could show her possibilities, but not which one was right. Still, it was a positive change. The wizarding world was about to have a wake-up call.