 💎 WEEKLY POWER GOALS 💎🔥 30→2ch | 60→5ch | 100→8ch | 200→15ch | 400→25ch⏰ Resets Monday!
"The formula is remarkably comprehensive. Following the prescribed steps methodically ensures success—there's nothing particularly challenging about it," Banner explained with characteristic scientific precision.
Gemini nodded approvingly. "Naturally. This represents first-year students' inaugural lesson content. Potions parallel your Muggle chemistry courses—improper technique results in explosive consequences."
Banner stood with perfect composure beside the work table, surveying the laboratory's extensive collection of ingredients. "What additional tasks require my attention? If all formulas maintain this level of detail, I'm confident in my ability to manage them successfully."
Gemini touched her chin thoughtfully, struck by sudden inspiration. She rummaged through a nearby cabinet, extracting a complete set of textbooks and arranging them on the table. "The shop's current potion inventory remains adequate for now. During your leisure time, study these volumes—complete Potions curriculum for years one through seven, plus this essential reference: One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi. Imagine how fascinating it would be if I successfully trained a Muggle Potioneer Master!"
Banner acknowledged with serene composure, collecting the books and settling directly at the table, preparing to read by the flickering candlelight.
Gemini intercepted him gently. "Please accompany me instead."
She opened the adjacent chamber door, revealing a proper study. Despite its subterranean location, the room featured an expansive glass window through which natural sunlight streamed across a reading desk. Towering bookshelves lined every wall, creating an atmosphere of scholarly refinement that contrasted dramatically with the laboratory's ominous ambiance.
"You'll conduct your reading here during daylight hours. Paper and writing instruments are entirely at your disposal. When Ethan requires specific potions, Coby will deliver written requests. You can brew them as needed—magical potions possess limited shelf lives, preventing mass production. I've organized all formulas on the desk. Coby will also monitor your brewing sessions, but remember this crucial point: if you encounter genuine confusion, you must consult me immediately. I refuse to have my residence accidentally obliterated."
After securing Banner's understanding, Gemini hummed cheerfully while ascending to the main floor. Finally, she'd escaped that tedious responsibility! She'd need to devise additional strategies for retaining valuable personnel—no arguments accepted!
Midnight arrived once again as Tony emerged from the International Travel Department's Floo Network terminal, laden with numerous packages and nearly stumbling under their weight. Time zone differences meant his daytime departure from Britain translated to midnight arrival in America. Only an elderly wizard maintained the night watch, processing Tony's travel documentation before directing him to the nearest residential fireplace.
Tony regarded the Floo connection with distinct queasiness. Having just endured intercontinental Floo travel, he genuinely dreaded immediate re-entry. Suddenly recalling Gemini's preferred transportation method, his expression brightened considerably. "Bogg? Please escort me home!"
"Immediately, sir!" Bogg materialized beside Tony within seconds, collecting his accumulated luggage for preliminary transport before Apparating back to retrieve his master. The entire process consumed less than ten seconds, depositing Tony comfortably in his living room with perfectly brewed tea already prepared.
Tony released a contented sigh. "House-elves truly demonstrate exceptional competence!"
"Sir, how should these items be organized?" Bogg inquired while sorting through the travel accumulation.
Tony rose immediately with renewed energy. "Store the potions and clothing in my chambers. Deliver the notebooks directly to me, along with that silver crystal vial—I'll handle that personally. Regarding the various foodstuffs and miscellaneous items, use your discretion. Send a selection to Gemini—they represent authentic British specialties, after all. Also, please schedule an appointment with Pepper for tomorrow."
Bogg executed Tony's instructions with characteristic efficiency, completing the organization swiftly. Confirming nothing had been overlooked, Tony exchanged pleasantries with Maria's portrait before retiring to combat jet lag. The extensive journey had proven genuinely exhausting.
Early the following morning, Pepper arrived promptly after receiving Bogg's message, uncertain about Tony's urgent summons. What crisis might have developed now?
Upon Pepper's arrival, Tony engaged in extensive preliminary conversation before delivering his bombshell revelation.
"Hold on—just wait a moment. I'm experiencing some disorientation. Could you repeat that?" Pepper pressed her palm against her forehead, sinking into the sofa cushions. "Are you absolutely certain you're not suffering from illness? Did that recent injury affect your cognitive functions?"
Tony scratched his cheek with obvious embarrassment. "No, this represents genuine reality. I've lived over thirty years before discovering this truth—I'm a wizard. You know Gemini—everything she accomplishes involves magic. I've now learned similar abilities, though admittedly at a rudimentary level."
Pepper straightened abruptly, fixing Tony with intense scrutiny. "Those fairy tale youth-preservation potions—they're actually real? Can you brew them?"
Tony gaped speechlessly at Pepper, unable to formulate a response for several moments. Why did women invariably focus on such tangential priorities?!
Subsequently, Tony conducted Pepper through his renovated laboratory and George's adjacent workshop, culminating in formal introductions with Maria. This sequence left Pepper thoroughly overwhelmed, yet within minutes, both women had established animated conversation, effectively abandoning Tony entirely.
Tony found himself powerless against their immediate bonding, shrugging resignedly while retrieving the notebook he'd transported from Britain. He'd anticipated working on this project for considerable time.
"Incidentally, Tony, S.H.I.E.L.D. returned all the items your father preserved for you. When you find opportunity, you might examine them," Maria mentioned casually before directing Pepper upstairs. Apparently Tony had brought British wizarding gifts requiring joint examination, since Pepper lacked familiarity with magical artifacts.
Tony couldn't spare attention from his research, mumbling acknowledgment while diving deeper into his notebook studies.
When he finally surfaced from his intensive work, Pepper had departed with Maria's selected gifts, and Maria herself had gone visiting other portraits. The house had returned to solitary quiet.
Tony shrugged philosophically, requesting Bogg prepare light refreshments before immediately resuming research collaboration with JARVIS, simultaneously ordering extensive materials from his exclusive suppliers.
Even when George arrived to utilize the workshop, Tony remained too absorbed to offer proper greetings, concentrating entirely on calibrating a delicate device.
Only at midnight did Tony finally exhale with satisfaction, removing his magnifying apparatus. "JARVIS, please import the program I completed earlier."
"Certainly, sir. Is this your replacement butler?" JARVIS inquired while executing the import, his typically neutral tone carrying subtle wounded undertones.
"Don't be ridiculous, old J. This represents a gratitude gift for George. Magic Mark I achieved tremendous success largely due to George's contributions, but it's completely unusable within magical society. I needed to devise an appropriate surprise for him," Tony explained casually. "Speaking of which, has George visited recently?"
JARVIS's response carried obvious exasperation. "Mr. Weasley entered the workshop three hours ago and acknowledged you directly, though I haven't detected his departure."
Tony checked the time—well past midnight. Stroking his chin, he weighed the potential consequences of disturbing Gemini at such an hour and prudently decided to postpone contact until morning!
🔥 Want to read the next 30 chapters RIGHT NOW?
 💎 Patreon members get instant access!Â
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
 👉 [Join on - patreon.com/DarkGolds]