"You upgrade that rapidly?" Gemini asked, genuinely startled by the pace of innovation.
Tony practically preened with satisfaction. "Genius doesn't wait for anyone!" He paused, his expression brightening with sudden inspiration. "Speaking of which, I've got a week's leave coming up. My Manhattan tower is nearly complete, and the Monaco Grand Prix organizers sent me a personal invitation. Fancy a little European adventure?"
Gemini looked genuinely puzzled. "What exactly is racing?"
Despite her extended residence in the Muggle world, her self-imposed isolation in the shop had left significant gaps in her cultural education.
Tony started to explain, realized the futility of words, and simply produced his phone with characteristic flair. The screen filled with roaring engines, sleek machines, and controlled chaos at impossible speeds. "Pure adrenaline—speed and precision dancing on the edge of disaster!"
Gemini's eyes lit with genuine fascination. "This looks infinitely more thrilling than Quidditch!"
Sirius practically materialized beside them, his projection flickering with excitement. "Could I possibly attend? This looks absolutely brilliant!"
"Timeline?" Gemini asked, though she was already calculating complications.
"Departure tomorrow morning. The race weekend spans several days, private jet naturally—I need to inspect the tower's progress anyway. Limited vacation time and all that."
Gemini shook her head with visible regret. "Impossible, I'm afraid. Harry's arriving tomorrow to resolve Banner's situation. With a guest requiring attention, I couldn't guarantee making the departure time."
Tony blinked with sudden recognition. "Ah, the big green problem?"
Gemini stared at him in surprise. "You know about that?"
Tony's grin turned predatory. "Military databases are basically my personal entertainment system. When Banner had his... incident... a few years back, I investigated immediately. When someone with near-Stark-level intellect vanishes without explanation, it triggers my paranoia reflex. That's how I discovered his unique condition."
"The files disappeared faster than Pepper deletes my questionable purchases—clearly classified beyond normal channels. Even JARVIS hit walls, though I managed to preserve some footage. Care for a preview?"
Gemini leaned forward with obvious interest. "I've never actually seen his transformation."
Tony navigated his phone with practiced efficiency, pulling up a brief but spectacular video clip. Less than sixty seconds of pure destruction—a massive green humanoid bellowing "HULK!" while systematically demolishing an entire military installation.
Sirius whistled appreciatively. "Impressive physique! He could give Hagrid serious competition!"
"Though Hagrid's considerably more gentle," Gemini observed thoughtfully. "Less... apocalyptic in his approach."
Sirius stared at her as if she'd announced Voldemort's secret career as a children's entertainer. "Who exactly told you Hagrid was gentle?"
Gemini blinked in confusion. "Isn't he? At school, he was perpetually cheerful. Even when students pranked him mercilessly, he never showed anger."
Sirius's expression grew complex, tinged with something approaching pity. "Do you understand his actual heritage?"
"Obviously, it's quite apparent he's not—" Gemini stopped mid-sentence, realization dawning like a cold sunrise.
Sirius nodded grimly. "Beginning to comprehend the situation?"
Gemini felt her worldview shifting uncomfortably. What had possibly convinced her that a giant—even a half-giant—would possess natural gentleness? "Hagrid must genuinely adore Hogwarts," she murmured, reevaluating everything she thought she knew.
Sirius made a thoughtful sound. "Do you know the origin of those Acromantulas you encountered?"
"Acro-what now?" Tony interjected with scientific curiosity. "Are we discussing the five-X classification creatures from those textbooks?"
"Hagrid raised them?!" Gemini exclaimed, horror creeping into her voice.
"Otherwise, why do you imagine he was expelled?" Sirius shrugged with dark amusement. "Though Voldemort orchestrated the frame-up, simply harboring Acromantulas within the castle would have earned him serious consequences."
Gemini shuddered violently. The implications were staggering—who could have suspected such depths beneath Hagrid's jovial exterior?
"In that case, I'm definitely staying!" Tony declared with renewed enthusiasm. "Racing happens annually—witnessing a Hulk transformation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"
"You'll need Banner's consent," Gemini pointed out practically. "He's the primary participant in this endeavor."
"Where is he? I'll negotiate immediately!" Tony sprang to his feet with characteristic energy.
"Basement potions laboratory." Before Gemini finished speaking, Tony had already vanished through the doorway.
Sirius watched this display with amazement. "Is he always this... energetic?"
"Compared to you, he's practically catatonic," Gemini replied with deadpan precision.
Sirius recoiled as if physically struck. "How is that remotely possible? I'm the epitome of mature restraint!"
Gemini's hand drifted meaningfully toward the recording device. Sirius immediately fell silent.
Tony returned within minutes, having successfully negotiated observation rights with Banner. Monaco would have to settle for Pepper and Happy maintaining Stark Industries' social obligations.
The following morning, Gemini emerged from her quarters to find Banner and Tony seated attentively while Sirius regaled them with increasingly embellished tales of Marauder adventures. Tony's expression suggested he was seriously reconsidering his life choices.
The Floo network activated with its characteristic whoosh, depositing Harry in their parlor. "Excellent timing—everyone appears ready. We'll depart momentarily. I've even arranged for expert consultation."
Gemini performed a final inventory of her carefully packed supplies. "What's our destination?"
Harry's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Hogwarts."
Gemini's hands froze mid-motion. "You're not serious."
Harry laughed with genuine warmth. "Completely serious. Christmas holidays mean minimal student population, and the Forbidden Forest provides ample space for any... complications. Even if Mr. Banner loses control, the environment can contain the situation."
Gemini immediately grew agitated. "Is my presence appropriate? Perhaps you should proceed without me?"
Harry approached and gently placed an arm around her shoulders. "None of that. Everyone's genuinely concerned about you. It's time for a proper homecoming."
He surveyed the room, selected an ornate teapot from the side table, and pointed his wand with practiced precision. "Portus." Blue light enveloped the object briefly before fading to mundane ceramic.
"Everyone gather round—one finger on the Portkey, if you please."
Sirius approached eagerly, his translucent digit passing uselessly through the enchanted teapot.
"What about me?! How am I supposed to travel?! Don't abandon me here!" Sirius exclaimed, finally grasping his predicament.
Gemini massaged her temples, contemplating the wisdom of family reunions.
Tony quickly produced a sophisticated timepiece resembling George's earlier creation. "Simple transfer protocol—you'll be able to accompany Gemini anywhere she goes!"
He manipulated the projection controls briefly until Sirius's image vanished entirely. "Transfer complete. Just activate the display when you arrive."
Gemini accepted the device, examined its aggressively technological aesthetic with visible distaste, and buried it in her bag.
"Time's running short," Harry urged, consulting his pocket watch.
The assembled group positioned themselves around the Portkey, fingers making contact with the enchanted surface. Harry gripped the handle firmly and began his countdown. "Three... two... one!"
The familiar sensation of Portkey travel seized them—that peculiar combination of being jerked forward by an invisible hook while the world dissolved into rushing wind and swirling colors.
Hogwarts awaited, along with whatever consequences Gemini's return might bring.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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