WEEKLY POWER GOALS 💎🔥 30→2ch | 60→5ch | 100→8ch | 200→15ch | 400→25ch⏰ Resets Monday!
--------------------
Worth mentioning—Malfoy was carried out of the Forbidden Forest by Harry and Ron the entire way.
Legs too weak to walk. Mouth trembling, couldn't speak.
Seeing this, Snape was instantly furious. Unleashed on Hagrid. Claimed he'd report to Dumbledore. And as usual, threw shade at Harry.
Watching Malfoy's still-fearful glances, Hermione shook her head helplessly.
Look how scared the kid is. Voldemort, you're truly evil!
Harry didn't argue much. Instead seemed to discover something. Looked at Snape thoughtfully.
New York.
Just returned, not even a minute—her phone rang.
Answered. Black Widow's voice came through.
"Little Hermione, Stark was found several weeks ago. Thanks for your help. Wanted to tell you, but couldn't reach you these days."
"No problem. School's been busy lately. Didn't leave campus much." Hermione explained. Thought a moment. Added pitifully: "Natasha-sis won't blame me, will she…"
On the other end, hearing the little girl's tender voice, Black Widow's heart trembled slightly. Quickly reassured: "How could I blame me? Just missed you. When will you visit S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
Hanging up, Black Widow sighed.
As expected—deep contact isn't easy. She understood now. Though young and innocent-seeming, the girl definitely wasn't stupid. In some ways, quite shrewd.
Calling her a little fox wouldn't be wrong.
Though their relationship seemed good, Hermione rarely shared her life. Even what she did daily, Black Widow didn't know.
Before becoming someone Hermione absolutely trusted—like her "Dumbledore"—the little one wouldn't open up completely.
Fortunately S.H.I.E.L.D. custom-made a phone for Hermione. Otherwise even contacting her would be difficult.
After hanging up, Hermione scoffed.
Not that you miss me. Black Boiled Egg wants intel again, right?
Plus, think I didn't notice the phone's bugging device?
Dogs truly can't stop eating shit.
But whatever. Across two worlds, even the best tech couldn't function.
Hermione pulled out another phone. Dozens of messages instantly popped up.
Skimming—besides notifying Tony was safe, mostly thanks and asking how she was.
Hermione scrolled through contacts. Found the only entry. Called back.
This phone was also given by someone. But not S.H.I.E.L.D.—rather Pepper Potts, who secretly slipped it to her when leaving after a meeting.
"Pepper-sis, I'm back!"
After connecting, Hermione greeted energetically.
"Little Hermione!"
On the other end, Pepper's voice clearly carried delight. "Couldn't reach you these days. Thought something happened. Asked S.H.I.E.L.D., they said they didn't know. Just told me not to worry."
"Though you have amazing abilities, you're still a child. How could I not worry?"
Hermione felt warmth inside.
Natasha's kindness wasn't fake. But always mixed with S.H.I.E.L.D. mission factors.
Though Hermione understood, didn't mean she could happily accept.
In comparison, Pepper was much purer. Beyond gratitude, she could feel genuine care.
"Don't worry, sis. I've been at Hogwarts these days. School's been hectic. Temporarily didn't come out much."
Hermione replied.
This was true.
Quidditch match approaching. She and Harry were busy training. Daily tortured by Captain Wood.
More precisely—Wood daily tortured Harry. She daily tortured Wood.
The nickname "Torture Witch" was already taking shape.
"Hogwarts? What place is that?"
Pepper was curious. "Also where exactly do you go to school? So many New York schools, none have your name…"
Nick Fury, you bastard!
Hearing this, Hermione cursed internally.
Doesn't do a damn thing!
Knowing Pepper cared, yet didn't reveal any information. Just let her worry.
Hmph!
"Let's explain when we meet. It's complicated."
"Where are you now? I'll come find you!" Pepper said immediately.
Hermione scratched her head. Somewhat embarrassed. "I'm not sure either. How about I come find you? Wait a moment."
Saying this, summoned her flying broomstick. Mounted it. Added a Disillusionment Charm. Shot skyward. Headed straight for Stark Tower.
Stark Tower.
CEO's office.
Pepper held the phone. Kept saying "hello."
The last thing she heard was Hermione's "I'll come find you."
After that, no matter what she said, Hermione didn't respond. Only violent whistling sounds came through.
Just as she wondered whether to hang up, heard "tap tap tap" sounds behind. Like someone knocking on glass.
Pepper jumped. Thought she misheard.
This was dozens of floors up. Hundred meters high. Only her in the entire room. Behind was just floor-to-ceiling windows. How could someone knock on glass?
Turned around. Found a petite black-robed figure sitting sideways on a broomstick. Hovering outside the window.
Seeing her, waved with a smile.
Pretty face, eyes curved like crescents. Sweet smile and two dimples. Couldn't be more adorable.
In an instant, Pepper's heart melted.
"Little Hermione!"
Pepper couldn't help covering her mouth. Cried out.
"Pep—per—sis—"
Faint shouts entered the room. Hermione's mouth moved. Seemed to be saying something.
"?" Pepper didn't understand.
Suddenly, a strong gust blew. The broom shook in turbulence. Hermione lost balance. Fell with the broom.
"Ahhh!!"
Pepper screamed.
Before she could move, Hermione floated back up. But this time calves hooked the broomstick. Entire body hanging upside down. Rather comical.
Hermione pointed at herself. Then at the room.
Pepper finally understood. Quickly opened the window. Hermione instantly flipped onto the broom. Flew inside. Movements fluid.
Landed safely. Before speaking, Pepper stepped forward and hugged her.
"You child!" Pepper's eyes flashed with lingering fear. Scolded: "How can you do such dangerous things!"
Dangerous? Hermione looked confused. This acrobatic move—she did way more during Quidditch training.
But seeing Pepper's worried expression, softly agreed: "Oh…"
Watching Hermione clearly not take it to heart, Pepper sighed lightly.
What kind of education did this child receive growing up?
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
Read up to (50+ ) advanced chapters on Patre\on
Visit us here: patreon.com/DarkGolds
Happy reading, everyone!