A pale figure moved like a ghost into the heart of the gathering.
His harsh features twisted with disdain, and his slick black hair parted in the middle, exposing a forehead wrinkled as old bark.
He raised his wand with silent menace, fixing it on the elderly wizard.
"Severus, please." The old man shook his head gently.
His lined face expressed both plea and quiet resignation.
Still, Severus—resolute and cloaked in black—swung his wand.
"Avada Kedavra!" he intoned the unforgivable killing curse.
A beam of green magic shot toward the old man. All present braced, expecting the grim finality of death.
But then, without warning—
A new figure materialized between them, clad in black battle-armor. His eyes remained closed, his posture regal, like a statue come to life.
The green curse struck him squarely in the chest, bursting into light—and then dissipated harmlessly.
The man barely stirred.
When he opened his eyes, the effect was like lightning slicing through the dim observatory. The room collectively recoiled, hearts pounding with the shock of near-death.
"You must be Dumbledore," the newcomer said, his voice steady but curious.
The old wizard's sharp gaze studied him. "I am Albus Dumbledore. And you are...?"
"I am Malrick," he said, bowing with politeness. "It is an honor, Professor."
Dumbledore returned the bow, relief and wonder mingling in his eyes. He had feared this mysterious stranger might serve darker forces—perhaps even Voldemort.
"Mr. Malrick, are you unharmed?" Dumbledore asked again with concern.
Malrick touched his armor briefly. "I did feel something almost refreshing—like a breeze," he said, eyes reflecting curiosity. With a thought, his battle-armor shifted into shimmering wizarding robes speckled with starlight.
During his travels between worlds, his body often felt weak. A lethal curse like that had felt strangely invigorating.
Glancing around the observatory, Malrick noticed a woman with smoky eyeshadow, a stern middle-aged man, and Harry Potter hidden beneath the telescope. Dumbledore's wand lay discarded on the floor.
"The timing looks deliberate, Professor," Malrick observed. "Almost like you planned this."
Dumbledore's demeanor faltered. "Yes, there is much you do not know. Please, let me speak with them first—alone."
Malrick nodded. "Of course. I must locate my companions. Farewell, Professor."
With that, he faded away, leaving everyone in stunned silence.
"Did he just teleport without Apparition?" Draco Malfoy's voice trembled.
Severus Snape, wand still in hand, stared at Dumbledore expectantly.
Dumbledore gave a subtle nod—go on. With a heavy heart, Snape lifted his wand again.
"Severus, please," Dumbledore whispered.
Snape's eyes glinted with centuries of buried anger and regret. His wand movement was swift and sorrowful.
"Sectumsempra."
A jagged slash etched across Dumbledore's face and chest. Bright crimson blood erupted from his wounds. He staggered back, clutching the parapet, before plunging to the ground below.
He hit the earth, robes coated in dark red. His white hair and beard sagged in a bloody curtain.
His eyes stayed open, gazing skyward—lifeless yet sorrowful, as if seeing distant stars.
"No!" Harry burst from hiding, enraged. He chased after a departing Death Eater, magic ablaze.
---
Back at Kamar-Taj
They returned to the sanctum of Kamar-Taj, where Wong and Tony were deep in discussion about Odin's missing eye.
"Look who's back," Tony called out. "Malrick, did you find the world this time?"
Malrick stepped forward. "Yes, although I went to the wrong one at first. Bruce, you two ready? We can depart now."
Bruce Banner looked confused. "Wait, you're talking to me?"
Tony elbowed him. "He means Batman, of course."
Malrick laughed softly. "Yes, Superman and Batman—thanks to Tony's nicknames. Wong and Mordo are ready. How about you two?"
Banner shrugged, shouldering a worn backpack. "I'm set… though I only have one pair of pants left. Tony bought me essentials after my arrival in New York."
Though once called the Hulk his greatest struggle, Banner now stood calmly among Marvel's champions and mystical heroes, safe and valued.
---
There might be some errors in this current world "Harry Potter".
I don't remember much of what happened, and I'd try my best to prevent errors from occurring.
Just point out the errors if you do find one, I'd edit it.
__
Thanks for the Power stones.