It's worth mentioning that Malfoy had to be carried out of the Forbidden Forest by Harry and Ron.
His legs were too weak to support him, and he was so shaken he couldn't speak.
Snape was livid when he saw this, venting his frustration on Hagrid and threatening to report the incident to Dumbledore, while also delivering his usual snide remarks to Harry.
Hermione shook her head as Malfoy glanced at her with lingering fear.
Voldemort, you've committed a grave crime for terrifying children this way!
Harry didn't argue much but seemed to have realized something, watching Snape with a thoughtful expression.
---
**New York.**
Just minutes after returning, Hermione's phone rang.
When she answered, she heard Black Widow on the other end.
"Little Hermione, Stark was found a few weeks ago. Thank you for your help. I wanted to tell you earlier, but I couldn't reach you."
"It's okay. School's been busy, so I haven't been around much," Hermione explained. Then, with a touch of feigned innocence, she added, "Sister Natasha, don't be mad at me..."
Listening to the young girl's sweet voice, Black Widow's heart softened, and she quickly reassured her, "Why would I be mad? I just miss you. When can you visit S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
After hanging up, Black Widow sighed.
It wasn't easy getting close to Hermione. She realized that despite Hermione's youth and seemingly simple nature, she was far from naive—quite savvy, in fact.
A "little fox," one might say.
Though Black Widow's relationship with Hermione seemed friendly, Hermione rarely shared personal details. They didn't even know what she was usually up to.
Until Hermione trusted them completely, like she did with "Dumbledore," she wouldn't open up fully.
Fortunately, S.H.I.E.L.D. had arranged a special phone for Hermione; otherwise, contacting her would be difficult.
After hanging up, Hermione rolled her eyes.
Missing me? More likely, Fury wants information again.
Did they think she wouldn't find the bug on her phone?
Some habits never change.
But it doesn't matter. With her knowledge of two worlds, no amount of technology could best her.
Hermione pulled out another phone, seeing dozens of messages pop up.
Most were updates about Tony's safety, along with thanks and inquiries about her current situation.
She found the only contact in her address book and called back.
This phone had been given to her, not by S.H.I.E.L.D., but by Pepper Potts, who had secretly slipped it to her during a meeting.
"Sister Pepper, I'm back!"
When the call connected, Hermione greeted her energetically.
"Little Hermione!"
On the other end, Pepper sounded surprised, "I couldn't reach you for days. I was worried something happened. S.H.I.E.L.D. told me not to worry, but still..."
"Even with your magical abilities, you're still a child. How could I not worry?"
Hermione felt a warmth in her heart.
Natasha's kindness was genuine, but always tied to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s mission.
While Hermione understood, it didn't mean she welcomed it easily.
In contrast, Pepper's concern felt genuine. Beyond gratitude, she truly cared for Hermione.
"Sister, don't worry. I've been at Hogwarts. There's a lot going on, so I can't leave much right now," Hermione explained.
It was true.
The Quidditch match was approaching, and she and Harry were busy with special training, tirelessly coached by Senior Wood.
To be precise, Wood tortured Harry daily, while she drove Wood to his limits.
The nickname "Terror Witch" was gaining popularity.
"Hogwarts? What's that place?"
Pepper seemed surprised, "And what school do you attend? We couldn't find your name in any New York schools."
Nick Fury, you meddling fool!
Hermione cursed inwardly.
He never handles anything properly!
Even though Pepper cared, she couldn't reveal much, leaving her worried.
Hmph!
"I'll explain everything when we meet. It's a long story."
"Where are you? I'll come to you!" Pepper said immediately.
Hermione scratched her head, a bit embarrassed, "I'm not sure either. I'll come to you. Just wait a moment."
With that, she summoned her broom, cast a Disillusionment Charm, and flew straight to Stark Tower.
---
**Stark Tower.**
**President's Office.**
Pepper held the phone, repeatedly saying hello.
The last thing she heard was Hermione's, "I'm coming to you."
No matter what she said after, Hermione didn't respond, only the sound of rushing wind filled the line.
Just as Pepper wondered whether to hang up, she heard a "tap-tap" on the glass behind her.
Startled, she thought she imagined it.
Being dozens of floors up, high in the sky, she was alone in the room. There was nothing behind her but the window. Who could be knocking?
Turning around, she saw a petite figure in a black robe, perched on a broom, hovering outside.
When Hermione saw her, she smiled and waved.
With her pretty face, eyes curving into crescents, and dimples, she was utterly charming.
For a moment, Pepper's heart melted.
"Little Hermione!"
Pepper couldn't help but cover her mouth, exclaiming.
"Pepper—sis—ter—"
A faint voice reached inside, Hermione's mouth moving as if speaking.
"?" Pepper was puzzled.
Suddenly, a strong gust shook the broom, and Hermione, unsteady, fell with it.
"Ah!!!"
Pepper screamed.
Before she could react, Hermione rose again, this time hanging upside-down from the broom, looking quite comical.
Hermione pointed at herself, then inside.
Pepper finally understood and quickly opened the window. Hermione flipped upright and flew inside gracefully.
Landing safely, before she could speak, Pepper rushed forward and hugged her.
"You little rascal!" Fear flashed in Pepper's eyes as she scolded, "How could you do something so dangerous?"
Dangerous? ...Hermione was puzzled. She'd done far more acrobatic moves during Quidditch practice, but seeing Pepper's concern, she agreed softly:
"Oh..."
Pepper sighed at Hermione's apparent lack of concern.
She wondered what kind of upbringing this child had.
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