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The other end of the earpiece fell silent for several seconds before speaking: "Agent Romanoff, you're on scene. Your judgment is more accurate than mine. In your view, what attitude should we take toward her? Does she constitute a threat? Should we forcibly detain her?"
Natasha didn't hesitate. Immediately said: "Absolutely not. Must maintain good relations with her while gradually winning her over."
The other side wasn't surprised. Said: "Reasons?"
"First, she's the only wizard we can currently contact. Also our only pathway to understanding the mysterious wizarding world."
"Second, the mysterious magical abilities on her are worth studying. Perhaps could combine with our technology. Produce unexpected results."
"Third, though her personality's rather odd—not like ordinary children—her overall behavior still leans toward justice. Completely unnecessary to push her to the opposing side. Plus her background seems significant. Doing so would be counterproductive."
"And…" Natasha hesitated. "She's still just a child."
"Seems you have a good impression of her."
Natasha nodded. No intention to hide it: "That's right."
Though getting along with Hermione was a bit exhausting, she genuinely liked this little girl. Didn't want anything excessive done to her.
The voice on the other end responded, this time with more affirmation: "Then do as you think. While maintaining good relations, use the fact she's a child to subtly influence and win her over. Guide her views according to our thinking."
"In a bit, invite her to headquarters. I want to meet her personally. Also gather intelligence about the wizarding world."
"Yes, sir."
Natasha was about to turn when she suddenly remembered something.
"Oh, Nick, one more thing." She paused. "The 'Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division' name is really too much of a mouthful. Hermione's suggestion of 'S.H.I.E.L.D.' earlier—I think it's quite good. Why not consider it?"
The other side fell silent for a long time before answering: "Alright, let's do that."
A smile curved Natasha's lips.
Didn't expect Hermione's first favor to them would be thinking up a very fitting name.
Returning to the café, Natasha's steps halted.
Where's Hermione?
Frantically looked around. Found the entire hall empty.
Quickly walked to the table. She saw the white paper lying quietly on the surface. Only now it had some writing.
"Sister Natasha, school has class tomorrow morning. I'm heading back to rest. See you another day—"
Clutching the note, Natasha immediately pressed the earpiece button.
"Hermione just left. Why didn't you report it!"
Soon, several voices came through the earpiece. Summarized: Didn't see her.
"Pull up surrounding cameras immediately!"
Natasha ordered. Shortly after, a black-suited man in sunglasses delivered a tablet.
The screen showed footage from inside and outside the café.
Just as Natasha was on the phone outside, Hermione stood from the table. Pushed open the door. Just swaggered out like that.
Bizarrely, the surrounding deployed agents uniformly chose to ignore her.
More horrifying: before leaving, she waved goodbye to Natasha. The latter even waved back, watching her leave.
In the office, Nick Fury watched this terrifying scene. Felt a chill down his spine.
Back in the dorm, Hermione lay on her bed.
Didn't expect S.H.I.E.L.D. to discover her this early.
Though she'd been prepared, this was still too fast.
Still underestimated these people. To appear as humanity's strongest intelligence agency in a Marvel universe teeming with demons and monsters—they had something after all.
But she was still more skilled.
The bait had been cast. Just waiting for the big fish to bite.
She'd guarantee: when talking with Natasha, that old fox Nick Fury was 100% eavesdropping.
The information revealed in those scattered words was completely enough to make them imagine all sorts of things. A mysterious magical world's door was slowly opening before them.
This kind of power was enough to make people flock to it.
Especially when the key to this door was in her hands…
As the only wizard they could contact (indeed the only wizard in this world), her value was infinitely magnified.
Not to mention Hermione's established persona: a child with deep background connections, not much scheming, but a small sense of justice. Wouldn't make them feel threatened. A perfect cooperation… exploitation target.
Coincidentally, Hermione thought the same.
Just who was exploiting whom remained uncertain.
Fortunately, her magic had successfully advanced to Tier 2. Absolute strength might not match existences like Hulk…
But with diverse methods, in the current early Marvel period—as long as she didn't court death by drawing out hidden old monsters—being cautious was enough to handle the current situation.
As for Dark Harvest, having just contacted S.H.I.E.L.D., she planned to pause temporarily.
If expectations held, soon she could harvest a big wave.
The following days, Hermione focused on practicing spells at Hogwarts. Working hard to grind proficiency. Also practicing Quidditch daily with Wood and others. Flying skills getting better and better.
Two weeks passed in a flash.
In the Great Hall, young wizards were eating lunch at the long tables.
"Hare's eyes, harp's song, turn this water into wine strong!"
Beside Hermione, a student in Gryffindor robes held up his wand. While chanting, swung it back and forth at the cup before him.
Didn't look like casting. More like hammering. As if that would add magical power.
Dude, what are you doing?
Hermione furrowed her delicate brows. Scooted her butt farther away. Afraid he'd poke her eye with his wand.
Then, Neville from not far away stood up. Walked to Hermione's side. Hesitated a while. Finally mustered courage to speak.
"Um… Hermione, thanks for last time. If not for your Slowness Charm at the critical moment, I'd definitely still be lying in the hospital."
Hermione glanced up at him. Lightly hummed. Then continued eating.
Neville didn't mind. After all this time, everyone knew this was Hermione's personality. Usually rather cold, didn't like talking. Only slightly familiar with Harry and Ron.
Plus her obvious attitude of disliking disturbance—even though she was very pretty and some boys wanted to approach—feeling this aura, they all backed off.
This time Neville came to thank her personally after thanking Harry for standing up to Malfoy, encouraged by Harry.
"Then I'll head back. Hermione, if you need anything, just ask. I'll definitely do it!" Neville's tone was firm.
Just as he turned to leave, Hermione suddenly called out: "Wait!"
Neville stopped.
"I just remembered. There really is something I need you to help with."
"What?"
Glancing at Seamus Finnigan beside her, Hermione slowly said: "If you don't mind, want to switch seats with me?"
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