During the next practice, Hermione chased nearly every ball, claiming it wasn't intentional, but the scene was quite intimidating.
Wood wore a pained expression throughout, finally understanding why Professor McGonagall recommended her as a Beater.
So intense.
"Harry, this is the Golden Snitch. You're the Seeker, responsible for finding and catching it. Catching it earns 150 points and ends the game immediately. Practice with it; I need to go," Wood said hurriedly.
He handed Harry a hazelnut-sized golden ball with wings, explaining quickly before flying off as if escaping.
Harry stood there, bewildered.
...
Back in the dormitory, with her roommates Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown not yet returned, Hermione drew the curtains and focused on her magic writing board.
While practicing broomstick techniques she'd learned from Harry, the magic book had vibrated, filling her magic experience without her realizing it.
Apparently, riding a broomstick is a form of magic control training.
Sitting cross-legged on her bed, Hermione attempted to meditate.
In an instant, the magic within her surged like a spring, flowing through her body. Hermione felt a burst of vitality, her mind clearer, as if reaching a new realm.
She was completely renewed.
[Hermione Jane Granger]
[Magic Level lv2 (1/10000)]
Eagerly, she opened the magic book, confirming her magic level had indeed advanced to lv2.
Hermione felt the magic within her more turbulent, and her ability to perceive and control magic was much more refined.
Checking other sections:
[Spells]
[Levitation Spell lv2 (1/10000), Repelling Spell lv2 (1/10000), Full Body-Bind Spell lv2 (1/10000), Shield Charm lv2 (1/10000)...]
[Dark Magic]
[Dark Harvest (Talent)]
[Sectumsempra lv2 (1/10000), Inverted Golden Bell lv1 (138/1000)]
As expected, with her magic level at lv2, spells at full proficiency naturally advanced too.
"Reducto!"
A blue light flashed, and the vase shattered instantly.
Hermione nodded in satisfaction.
Compared to lv1, the lv2 Reductor Curse was clearly more powerful. Where it once broke objects into pieces, now it reduced them to fragments.
She also sensed improvements in casting speed, range, and target size limitations.
Estimating her power, Hermione gauged her current level.
Above fifth-year students, below adult wizards.
First to fourth-year magic likely falls under lv1, with few exceptional wizards reaching lv2.
Fifth to seventh-year students typically wield lv2 magic, with adult wizards generally reaching lv3.
Stronger adult wizards and ordinary Aurors at the Ministry of Magic approach lv4, while elite Aurors with notable reputations achieve lv4.
As for Dumbledore, Voldemort, and Grindelwald, Hermione couldn't yet estimate. Her current strength was insufficient for comparison.
Though only a first-year, Hermione had mastered numerous spells. As long as her proficiency matched her magic level, she could fully utilize her potential.
Compared to other wizards, it felt like she had an advantage.
Even renowned prodigies couldn't compare.
Even with lv3 magic, casting levels vary.
Factors like physical constitution, magical affinity, and practice affect one's ability to cast spells effectively, creating significant disparities in combat effectiveness.
Consider the infamous Gilderoy Lockhart.
While his other spells were mediocre, his mastery of Memory Charms possibly exceeded his magic level.
Or the Weasley family's knack for the Reductor Curse.
Barty Crouch Jr., the fake Moody, remarked in the original story that at the students' level, even an Avada Kedavra would merely cause a nosebleed.
With the magic book's help, given time, Hermione could master any spell, leaving no weaknesses.
An all-rounder, without shortcomings.
"Reparo."
With her current strength assessed, Hermione repaired the vase and entered the bathroom, contemplating her next move.
In an instant, she reappeared in her hotel room.
...
Hermione surveyed her surroundings.
Fortunately, no new occupants had claimed the room, avoiding complications.
Pressed for time earlier, she'd hurried back to Hogwarts for class, leaving little time to think before returning to the hotel in the Marvel world.
Next time, she'd choose a better return location...
Hermione mused.
Each crossing follows the same pattern, she'd confirmed repeatedly.
Exiting the room, Hermione walked to the front desk.
The innkeeper's eyes widened seeing her emerge, and he stood abruptly.
"Little girl, what are you doing here?"
"Oh, I left something in the room earlier. Just came back to get it," Hermione replied smoothly.
The innkeeper looked puzzled, as if wanting to say more but held back.
"Something wrong?"
Sensing his unease, Hermione inquired.
The innkeeper glanced around, leaned closer, and whispered:
"Little girl, I don't know what trouble you're in, but some FBI agents were here asking about you. If you know what's going on, you should resolve it quickly."
Hmm?
Hermione was puzzled.
FBI, looking for her?
Could it be her actions a few nights ago were discovered?
No, she was under a Disillusionment Charm. Even if investigated, they shouldn't link it to a twelve-year-old girl.
Wait...
A thought struck Hermione.
She recalled S.H.I.E.L.D. agents often masqueraded as FBI agents.
"Seems you know what's happening."
The innkeeper noticed Hermione's change in expression.
Hermione nodded, "I understand, it's not a big deal. Thank you for the heads-up."
What a strange character.
Hermione handed over a few crisp bills as thanks, then confidently exited the hotel.
...
Half an hour later.
Hermione sat in a street café, leaning against the window, sipping cappuccino, lost in thought.
The café was quiet, with few patrons aside from Hermione.
Just then, a young couple entered, arm in arm, chatting and laughing. After ordering coffee, they glanced around and chose a table not far from Hermione.