Tony shrugged, "Thanks to Master Mordo opening that golden door, I've already arranged everything back in New York. Agent K will monitor Jarvis, so we're set. Let's begin crossing."
Wong and Mordo nodded in agreement.
In their hands, they all held magical artifacts—tokens of goodwill. Wong presented a ceremonial hat, representing the face of Kamar‑Taj.
Malrick gave a approving thumbs-up. Someone who'd worked within Kamar‑Taj for nine years—that was true mastery of diplomacy and etiquette.
"With everything ready, let's go," Malrick said. He cleared his throat, "This journey may be rough, so be mentally prepared." He activated his ability, locked onto his four companions, and they all left the Marvel Universe in unison.
---
Hogsmeade Courtyard
Heavy clouds blotted out the sun above the Hogwarts courtyard. Professors and students gathered somberly. Dumbledore's body lay on the grass, hands folded over his chest, face serene yet undeniably lifeless. The weight of grief pressed on everyone—McGonagall, Flitwick, Ron, Luna—all wore profound sorrow.
Harry kneeled beside Dumbledore, tears falling freely as he mourned their great Headmaster's passing.
Suddenly, five figures descended from the sky like awkward acrobats.
One floated down with the grace of a falling leaf. The others tumbled, limbs akimbo, landing in ridiculous, uncoordinated fashion—one face-down, another rolled into a buddy.
The magical mourners froze, uncertain whether to cast spells or intervene. After surviving Death Eaters and witnessing Dumbledore's death, they were too shocked to draw wands at once.
From the wreckage, one figure slapped Tony's rear—Tony's legs were still in the air—and a voice rang out in amusement.
"Tony, you need new landing techniques," someone teased, filming him with a device.
The humor cut through the grief, earning scattered gasps from the crowd.
"Who are they?" McGonagall murmured, addressing Harry.
Before she could speak again, Harry exclaimed, "That's him—the one hit by Snape's curse in the Astronomy Tower—he's alive!"
Her eyes widened. These uninvited guests suddenly became powerful wizards in her eyes. Quirky wizards didn't necessarily lack skill.
"Um, gentlemen…" McGonagall began.
Malrick stepped forward with a warm smile. "Please wait. My companions will wake soon."
Tony groaned and disentangled himself. Mordo, Banner, and Wong followed, each rubbing a sore cheek or butt. Banner apologized: "Sorry, I blackout… did we arrive?"
Tony grinned and gestured around: "We're definitely somewhere magical. Clothing makes all the difference."
Wong, ever proper, blushed furiously. As Kamar‑Taj librarian, etiquette mattered to him—this premiere diplomatic mission could have gone better. He rounded on Malrick, stamping a shoe—size forty-three—gently on Banner and Mordo's pants. "We represent Kamar‑Taj. Please maintain your dignity."
Banner and Mordo snapped to attention, reddened but corrected in posture.
Malrick intervened gently, stopping Wong from presenting the hat too soon. "Hold on—our host, the White Demon King, is still unconscious. We must present to the right person."
Wong paused thoughtfully—'White Demon King' sounded grand. After the host introduced himself, he could say: "This is the Sorcerer Supreme who played chess with Odin and conversed with Eternity." Much more diplomatic.
As Wong pondered introductions, Malrick approached Harry and the fallen Dumbledore.
"Potter, don't be nervous," Malrick said calmly. He produced an elegant bottle, filled with a clear liquid—water from the sacred Zeus Spring. It shone even before it glimmered.
The courtyard hushed. High-value item, high-status appearance. Exactly what Malrick intended.
"I made an agreement with Dumbledore in the Astronomy Tower," Malrick said. He used his mental power to ensure no one would interrupt. "I told him: 'See you later.' He agreed."
He knelt beside Dumbledore and tilted the bottle so a few drops of clear spring water streamed onto Dumbledore's lips.
"Since he promised, he must fulfill it. Even in death, he must return and complete our agreement before truly passing. Not even the God of Death can stop that."
He laid the empty bottle in Dumbledore's hand. Seconds later, color returned to the Headmaster's face. His chest rose with a deep breath, and Dumbledore sat bolt‑upright, as if roused from a nightmare.
The crowd gasped in astonishment.
---
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