Harry Potter: The Revenant

Harry and Natasha stepped through the shimmering portal, the golden light around them dissipating as they emerged onto the MIT campus. The immediate contrast to the cool serenity of Kamar-Taj's library was jarring—here, the air was thick with the hum of city life, the dull murmur of students walking by, busy with their daily routines. A few chuckled and chatted as they passed, completely unaware that two of the most dangerous individuals on the planet had just arrived in their midst.

Harry's eyes flicked across the students as he ran his hand through his messy hair, brushing the stray strands back into place. His hoodie and jeans materialized effortlessly with a snap of his fingers, changing his appearance to something more suited for blending in. But Natasha, as always, had the perfect balance of grace and intimidation. With a flick of her wrist, her black tactical suit transformed into a sleek leather jacket and dark jeans, making her look like the kind of girl you'd find sitting in the corner of a coffee shop—if you didn't mind the cold aura of danger radiating from her.

She adjusted her sunglasses with the casual air of someone who owned the world—or at least this small corner of it. "You've got the look, magic boy," she said, glancing at him with a raised eyebrow. "Now let's make sure we don't make the mistake of standing out."

Harry let out a chuckle, adjusting his sleeves as he looked around. "Yeah, because the kid with a wand and the world-weary super spy aren't gonna stick out. We'll fit right in."

"You don't want to draw attention," Natasha said, her tone sharpening as she dropped her usual sarcastic edge for a moment. "Trust me. We're here to find Tony, not make the front page of the Daily Bugle."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "We're on a mission to find Tony Stark, and you think I'm gonna be the one to blow our cover?" He smirked, clearly enjoying the playful banter.

"I've never said you were the one who would," Natasha said, tossing a sideways glance at him as they moved through the crowd. Her tone had that unmistakable sharpness—the kind of edge that made her sound like she'd been trained to pick apart a situation and carve out the best path through it. It was something Harry had come to admire about her, even if he didn't always show it. "But you can't forget why we're here, Harry. There's nothing ordinary about Tony's girlfriend. And that means she's probably a threat."

"Right, right. So we keep our heads down," Harry said with a teasing grin. "And you don't flirt with the first person who offers to buy you a coffee, yes?"

Natasha's lips twitched into a sly grin, her eyes glinting with mischief as she glanced sidelong at him. "That would be the most boring part of the day, don't you think? But fine, I'll leave the flirting to you."

"Good," Harry said with a wink. "Wouldn't want to share you with anyone but me, anyway."

Her smile widened just slightly—barely noticeable, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes, a glint that only Harry seemed to catch. "I'll keep that in mind."

They continued walking, making their way across the campus, when the unmistakable figure of Tony Stark appeared in the distance. He was standing with a woman—talking animatedly, his hands gesturing wildly as usual, but there was something about the woman that immediately set off Natasha's instincts.

Her breath hitched in her chest for a split second. No. It couldn't be.

Harry, following her gaze, frowned. "That's Tony and... his girlfriend?"

"Her name's Sinthea Schmidt," Natasha said flatly, her voice suddenly tight, a coldness creeping in. "And that's not just some random girl. She's the genetically engineered daughter of Red Skull. Trained in the Red Room. A manipulator." She clenched her jaw, clearly unsettled. "If she's with Tony, this could be bad."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "So, we've got a Hydra agent trying to get close to Stark, huh? Classic."

"It's worse than that," Natasha muttered, her mind already racing. "If she recognizes me, everything goes to hell. She'll know I know who she is, and it will will put Tony in danger."

Harry's tone became a little more serious. "What's the plan, then?"

Natasha's eyes narrowed, studying Sinthea and Tony. "We're not getting close to her, not without blowing our cover. We need to keep low. I'll contact Fury and Howard, get backup."

She quickly pulled out a comm mirror, the familiar holographic interface popping to life. Fury's face appeared, his expression as stoic as always.

"Romanoff," Fury's voice crackled through, "What's the status?"

"Sinthea Schmidt is here," Natasha replied, voice low and controlled. "She's Tony's girlfriend, and she's dangerous. We can't approach Tony directly right now. She'll know something's up."

Fury's eye glinted. "Stay low. I'm sending backup. Captain America, Captain Carter, White Wolf, and Red Guardian will be on their way."

Natasha shot him a look that almost bordered on disbelief. "Five super soldiers for one Hydra agent?"

"There's no such thing as too much backup when it comes to Red Skull's bloodline," Fury said, his tone firm, no room for debate.

Natasha sighed but didn't argue. Fury had his reasons, and it wasn't like she could ignore his orders. "Fine, I'll stay out of the way, but I need more information on Tony's situation. I can't let him fall into her hands."

Fury's face softened ever so slightly, the corners of his mouth curling in the smallest hint of approval. "I'll send you all the intel we've got. Stay in touch."

The connection ended, and Natasha swiftly contacted Howard Stark. His face flickered to life on the comm mirror.

"Natasha," Howard said, his tone casual but with a hint of concern. "What's the situation?"

"Sinthea Schmidt is Tony's girlfriend," Natasha said, her voice now colder than before. "She's Red Skull's daughter, genetically altered and trained in the Red Room. If she's here, she's manipulating Tony. We can't just go up and warn him."

Howard's expression darkened. "I always thought something was off about her. I've been getting reports, and Tony's behavior has been… different. Rhodey's been keeping an eye on things. I suggest you reach out to him—he might have some info that could help."

"I'll do that," Natasha replied. "Stay in touch."

The call ended, and Natasha turned to Harry. "Backup's on the way. But we've got to handle this carefully. We're not just dealing with a Hydra agent—we're dealing with someone who could manipulate Tony in ways we can't predict."

Harry's eyes were sharp, his usual teasing tone replaced with quiet determination. "I'll follow your lead, Nat. Just don't let her get to him."

Natasha nodded, her gaze already locking onto Tony and Sinthea once more. "I'm not letting her touch him. Not while I'm still breathing."

They moved forward, staying hidden in plain sight, ready for whatever this dangerous game would throw their way.

–

In the dimly lit safehouse in New York, tension hung in the air as the super soldiers gathered around the table. The soft hum of the cooling system was the only sound as Fury, arms folded, leaned against the wall, surveying the room. Maria Hill stood beside him, ever the picture of cool professionalism, her eyes darting between the team of super soldiers.

Nick Fury, exuding the confidence of someone who had seen it all, finally spoke, his voice cutting through the silence. "Alright, listen up, people. Here's the deal," he began, his voice gravelly but commanding. "Tony Stark's been making contact with someone named Sinthea Schmidt. Now, some of you might know that name, but Steve, you're in the dark. So, let me bring you up to speed."

Steve Rogers, still trying to catch up to modern life after his decades of being frozen, raised an eyebrow, a frown tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Who is she? Another Hydra agent?"

"Worse," Fury shot back. "She's Red Skull's daughter. Trained in the Red Room. A product of Hydra's finest, and she's got a gift for manipulation. We've been keeping tabs on her for years, but now she's managed to get close to Stark. And if she's got her claws in him, we've got a serious problem on our hands."

Bucky Barnes, his metal arm resting against the back of a chair, looked up with a sharp gaze. "I've crossed paths with her before. Sinthea's not just dangerous because of her training. She's good with minds. Really good. She gets inside your head, makes you see things, makes you believe things that aren't true. If she's after Tony, we need to move fast."

Alexei Shostakov, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, growled low in his throat. "She's Red Room. I know what she's capable of. She's been trained to manipulate people, to break them. She's not someone you want anywhere near Stark."

Peggy Carter, her eyes steely with determination, added, "I've had my share of encounters with Red Skull's experiments. This won't end well unless we stop it now. Stark can't afford to be her next pawn."

Fury's expression hardened. "Exactly. We need to get to Tony before she does. But here's the problem—Tony's in Massachusetts, at MIT. We're talking hours, not minutes, to get there."

Bucky, his fingers tapping lightly against the table, raised a brow. "So we're supposed to drive? Take the jet?"

"No," Hill interjected, her voice as sharp as ever. "We don't have the luxury of time. Getting there the old-fashioned way isn't an option."

Steve frowned. "Then what do we do? How do we get there fast?"

Fury let out a long, annoyed sigh. "You think I don't know? We don't have a damn answer yet, Cap."

Before anyone could respond, something strange happened. The air in the room seemed to crackle, shimmering with an iridescent light. The group froze, instinctively reaching for weapons that weren't there. Hill's eyes darted to the corner, her posture stiffening in anticipation. Fury, ever the calm and collected agent, didn't flinch, though his hand hovered near the small of his back.

Without warning, a golden portal opened up in the corner of the room, the edges shimmering and swirling with otherworldly energy. The portal grew wider and more defined until a figure stepped through. He was cloaked in dark robes, with a calm yet commanding presence that immediately put everyone on edge.

Bucky, ever the skeptic, growled, "Okay, this is new."

Fury, who had been bracing for something big, narrowed his one good eye and leveled the figure with a steady stare. "Who the hell are you?"

The figure straightened, a small, knowing smile on his lips as he bowed slightly. "I am Wong, sent by the Ancient One," he said, his voice steady but full of authority. "The Ancient One has tasked me with providing you transportation."

The super soldiers exchanged confused glances, the tension thickening. Bucky's face twisted in disbelief. "Transportation? What, like a cab service? From where?"

"Massachusetts," Wong replied, unperturbed. "I will open another portal, and you will be able to proceed directly to MIT."

Maria Hill, ever the pragmatist, shot a glance at Fury. "I guess we've reached a point where we're asking sorcerers for help now." She quirked an eyebrow at him. "Maybe we should recruit some of them. Harry's the only one in our ranks who can open portals."

Fury, his gaze still fixed on Wong, let out a low chuckle, though there was no humor in it. "First time for everything, Hill. We don't have time to debate. Let's move."

Steve, still catching up to the weirdness of it all, stepped forward. "So, we just… step through that portal?"

Wong nodded. "Yes. It will take you directly to your destination. Do not worry—it is perfectly safe."

Alexei, never one to back down from a challenge, cracked his knuckles and grinned. "I like this plan. Magic is always fun."

Bucky smirked, rolling his eyes. "You're a real treat, Red."

Steve, glancing at the swirling portal, hesitated for a moment, then turned to Peggy. "You sure about this?"

Peggy, her expression as determined as ever, nodded. "We don't have a choice. Let's go."

And with that, they followed Wong through the portal, one by one.

---

The next moment, they found themselves standing on the bustling MIT campus, the sounds of students talking and laughing all around them. The sight of ordinary people going about their day felt so jarring compared to the urgency of their mission.

Wong, already having opened the second portal, stood aside with a mild smile. "Here we are. The campus. Safe and sound."

Alexei let out a long sigh, stretching his arms. "Well, that was different."

Bucky, still processing everything, gave a wry grin. "Yeah, because who needs regular old transportation when we've got magic portals."

Steve, ever the soldier, scanned the area, his expression focused. "We don't have time for sightseeing. Let's find Stark."

Peggy, her voice cutting through the noise of the crowd, nodded. "We move fast. We don't know how much time we've got."

As they started to move through the crowd, Maria Hill's voice crackled in their earpieces. "We've got eyes on Stark. Be ready. Sinthea's not far behind. Stay sharp."

Bucky gave a low chuckle as he adjusted his gear. "Sharp? Please. I'm always sharp."

"You'd think that, wouldn't you?" Alexei muttered, walking ahead with a half-grin.

Wong, still standing a few feet behind them, observed the super soldiers with a knowing smile. "You've got quite the team here. Just be careful. Time and fate can be very... tricky."

With that, the super soldiers took off, pushing through the crowd and heading toward the building where Tony Stark was reportedly located. The mission was clear: find Tony, stop Sinthea, and pray they weren't already too late.

---

Back in the safehouse, Fury and Hill exchanged a glance. Maria spoke first. "You know, I think we're going to need more than just a few sorcerers after all this is over."

Fury smirked, his one eye gleaming with a mixture of pride and exasperation. "You're telling me. But for now, let's let the magic men handle it."

—

The MIT campus was alive with the buzz of students, some rushing between buildings, others lingering in clusters near benches, chatting and laughing. It was a typical day on the bustling campus, but Natasha and Harry moved through it with a quiet intensity, their every step calculated and purposeful. Natasha, her posture straight, walked with the kind of unshakable confidence that turned heads without her ever needing to glance at anyone. Harry, hands casually tucked into his pockets, kept his gaze sharp, though there was a slight grin on his lips—the sort that told anyone paying attention he wasn't just another face in the crowd.

The two of them were an odd sight here, a pair who seemed slightly out of place among the students in hoodies and backpacks, but the fact that no one questioned them showed that they carried an air of authority—whether by intention or sheer force of presence. Harry's wand was hidden up his sleeve, and Natasha's fingers hovered near the small tactical device on her belt. They were prepared for whatever came their way.

They arrived at the small café on the edge of campus, a favorite hangout for students in the area. As Harry glanced down at his wristwatch, the image of James Rhodes flickered into view on their comm system. His face appeared young, a little scruffy, with a mix of doubt and confidence. The boyish expression of someone still figuring things out, but the sharpness in his eyes gave away that he'd been through his fair share of struggles.

"So, what do you think?" Harry asked, his voice low, though there was an unmistakable edge of curiosity. His eyes remained on the screen, but his attention was split between the conversation and scanning the crowd for anyone suspicious.

Natasha's lips pressed into a thin line, her sharp features giving nothing away. "He'll trust us. Eventually." She spoke with the certainty of someone who had been in this situation more times than they could count. But her voice softened just a fraction when she added, "He won't have much of a choice."

The pair pushed open the door to the café, and immediately, they spotted Rhodes. He was sitting by himself at a corner table, absentmindedly picking at half of a sandwich, eyes scanning the room with a tension that hinted at someone who was used to being alert. His gaze locked onto them as they approached, and he stiffened, hands momentarily stilling as if preparing for something.

Rhodes didn't mince words. "Who the hell are you two?" he barked, his voice full of skepticism and guarded wariness. He was younger than either of them expected, but there was something about the way he carried himself that demanded respect. His military background, even at this age, was evident in the way he held himself.

Harry, ever the smooth talker, gave a shrug and a half-smile, not at all phased. "Relax, kid," he said, holding up his hands in a mock surrender. "We're not here to make your life harder." He shot Natasha a glance before continuing, "We just need to find someone. And it looks like you might be the guy who knows how to get to him."

"Tony Stark," Natasha cut in, her voice icy and measured. "We're friends of his. And we need to talk to you. It's... urgent."

Rhodes narrowed his eyes, his lips pressing together into a tight line. The air between them was heavy with suspicion, but his gaze shifted slightly, looking Natasha over with a calculating stare. "Friends of Tony, huh?" He didn't seem convinced, his hand resting on the edge of his sandwich as he slowly chewed over the idea. "And you just show up out of nowhere, no introduction? Not buying it."

"Fair," Harry said, his grin remaining in place. He leaned slightly forward, dropping the casual tone. "But trust me, we're not here for small talk. This is bigger than just Tony. This is about her."

He didn't need to say her name. Natasha's eyes flicked momentarily to the side, just enough for the warning in them to hit home.

Rhodes stiffened, the suspicion in his eyes giving way to recognition. "Her? Who the hell—"

Before he could finish, the comm device on Harry's wrist buzzed, and Natasha reached for her own communicator. With a flick of her fingers, a small hologram sprang to life above the table. The image of Howard Stark's face appeared, his usual smirk absent and replaced by something more serious—maybe even a little concerned.

"Rhodes," Howard's voice crackled through the speakers. "Listen to them. They're on our side. Trust me. These two are the real deal."

Rhodes blinked, his gaze flicking from the hologram to the two of them. His jaw tightened as he stared at the familiar face of Howard Stark, and the gears in his mind slowly began to click into place. Stark's voice was unmistakable, and the tech in front of him was something only Tony—or someone he trusted—could have designed.

"Howard?" Rhodes said, still cautious. "This isn't exactly what I expected when I got up this morning."

"Welcome to the club," Harry said with a wry smile, clearly aware of how overwhelming the situation was. He didn't give Rhodes time to protest further. "Now, we need to talk business."

Rhodes looked back and forth between them and Howard's image, the skepticism gradually melting from his face. "Alright, fine," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "But you better be straight with me. What's going on?"

Natasha leaned in slightly, her voice low but filled with purpose. "Sinthea Schmidt," she said, her words hanging in the air like a weight. "She's not just some rogue agent. She's Hydra's weapon. The genetically engineered daughter of Red Skull. And she's playing some serious games, ones that involve Tony. We need to make sure she doesn't get to him first."

The mention of Hydra immediately shifted Rhodes' entire demeanor. His face paled just a little, his shoulders tensing. "Red Skull's bloodline? Damn…" He shook his head, as if the very thought of it left a bad taste in his mouth. "That's... bad. Really bad." He leaned back, glancing at Harry, then Natasha, trying to make sense of the information. "What do you need me to do?"

Harry exchanged a look with Natasha, both of them silently agreeing. "We need to assemble the team. Get ready to move out."

Rhodes' brow furrowed in confusion. "Team? What team? Are you saying you've got some sort of... Justice League-style backup for this?"

"You have no idea," Natasha replied, her voice flat, but there was a hint of amusement in her eyes.

Just then, Harry's comm buzzed again, and the holographic interface projected more faces. Peggy Carter, Steve Rogers, Bucky Barnes, and Alexei Shostakov—each standing strong in their respective uniforms, ready for anything.

"Revenant," Steve said, his calm voice cutting through the tension, "We've landed. What's the play?"

Harry tapped his comm with a slight smile, looking at Rhodes, who was now completely bewildered. "Right on time," Harry muttered. "Meet us at the quad. Stay low and stay sharp until we give the word."

Rhodes let out a breath, his mind clearly racing to catch up with everything. "Wait. Hold up. Who the hell are these people?"

Natasha looked at him evenly. "They're exactly who we need right now. Super soldiers. And they're on our side."

Rhodes blinked, still processing. "Wait... you mean to tell me these super soldiers are ready to handle one Hydra agent?"

"You'd be surprised how much trouble a little bit of Red Skull's bloodline can stir up," Natasha replied, her voice cold, matter-of-fact.

Rhodes, no longer arguing, finally exhaled, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Alright," he said, determination creeping into his tone. "Let's get moving."

The group headed out toward the quad, their steps steady and synchronized as they prepared for the mission ahead. Rhodey kept his eyes on the ground, his thoughts still racing. He was finally starting to understand the gravity of what they were dealing with—and how quickly it was about to hit the fan.

"Let's go," Natasha said, her voice sharp as ever. "We don't have time to waste."

And together, they set off—united in purpose, their team now one step closer to finding Tony Stark and putting an end to Sinthea's deadly game.

—

The quad was bustling with the usual college activity as students scattered across the grass, oblivious to the heavy tension in the air. Harry, Natasha, and Rhodey walked briskly toward the rendezvous point, their steps synchronized, the quiet urgency between them palpable. The mission loomed large—Hydra's deadly new weapon, Sinthea Schmidt, was somewhere nearby, and they were about to square off with her to protect Tony Stark.

As they approached the designated meeting spot, Rhodey's military instincts kicked in. His eyes immediately fell on the group of super-soldiers standing at attention. He froze for a second, taking in the sight of them.

The first one he spotted was a man he never expected to see in person—Steve Rogers, Captain America, standing strong and proud in his star-spangled gear, his shield strapped across his back. Rhodey blinked, disbelief flashing across his face.

"No way…" Rhodey muttered under his breath. "Is that…? Is that really… Captain America?" His voice was low, almost to himself, as he took in the sight of the legendary soldier.

Behind Steve stood Peggy Carter, her frame as commanding as ever. She was in full uniform, her iconic red, white, and blue colors a reminder of her own legacy. The only thing more imposing than her stance was the fiery intensity in her eyes.

Next to her was Bucky Barnes, now known as the White Wolf. His arm—his bionic arm—was outstretched in a way that suggested he was always ready to leap into action, even as his eyes scanned the surroundings warily.

And then, towering behind them, was Alexei Shostakov, the Red Guardian. His dark, battle-worn armor gleamed in the sunlight, and the look on his face was the one of someone who had seen decades of combat. His posture was relaxed, but there was a quiet readiness about him.

Rhodey couldn't quite grasp the situation. This wasn't just a team of soldiers. This was a legendary team of soldiers. He couldn't believe what he was seeing, and yet, there they were, standing like they were born to fight together.

"You're telling me that's really Captain America?" Rhodey asked, voice tinged with disbelief. His eyes shifted from Steve to Natasha, who had not broken her stride as they neared the group.

Natasha, never one for sentimentality or dwelling on distractions, turned her head to him with a sharp look. "Focus, Rhodey. We don't have time for explanations."

Rhodey's mouth hung open for a moment longer, trying to process everything. But before he could make sense of it, Harry stepped forward, unfazed by the sight of these living legends. With a snap of his fingers, the magic was in motion. The air shimmered slightly around Natasha as her casual clothes—the kind of outfit that blended perfectly into the college crowd—suddenly morphed. Her attire shifted seamlessly into her tactical armor. The black combat suit, reinforced with sleek armor plating, materialized like a second skin. Her iconic Widow's Bite gauntlets were in place, the black widow logo on her chest standing out starkly against the dark fabric.

Rhodey's jaw nearly hit the floor. "Did... did she just change outfits?" he whispered, his voice low but incredulous.

"Magic," Harry said offhandedly, not even bothering to look at Rhodey. He was too busy retrieving something from his pocket—a seemingly impossible task considering the size of the item. But when Harry pulled out the Cloak of Levitation, Rhodey froze.

"No... no way. That can't fit in there. What the hell is going on?" Rhodey asked, his tone now a mix of confusion and awe.

Harry just grinned, pulling the cloak over his shoulder. "You'd be surprised what you can fit in a pocket, Rhodey," he said casually. "This—" He flicked the cloak with his fingers. "—is a bit of ancient magic mixed with a touch of cleverness."

The Cloak rippled like liquid, and as it settled over his shoulders, the transformation began. His body seemed to absorb the fabric, and his casual clothing was replaced by armor that shimmered into existence. It was similar to the gear that Captain America and Red Guardian wore—an amalgamation of strength and functionality—but red and gold, with black accents running down the arms and sides. A golden Phoenix emblem appeared proudly on his chest, symbolizing the fire within. The armor formed around him seamlessly, creating a perfect fit, as a red and gold Phoenix-style cowl and mask wrapped around his head.

Rhodey's mind was officially blown. "Okay, seriously, you're telling me that cloak did all that?" He turned to Natasha, then to Harry. "Man, I need whatever you guys are on. This is insane."

Steve Rogers, who had been watching this transformation with a raised brow, turned toward Rhodey with a half-smile. "He's not wrong, you know. We could all use a bit of that magic in our lives," Steve said, his voice a blend of amusement and admiration.

Natasha shot them both a look, her face impassive, though the faintest smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Focus," she repeated, her tone no-nonsense as ever. "We have a job to do."

Bucky, his eyes narrowed as always, glanced at Steve and muttered, "I don't know, Steve, something tells me things are gonna get complicated real fast." He kept his voice low, but Rhodey could hear the weight of his experience in every word.

Alexei, ever the larger-than-life presence, grunted with a laugh. "Ah, don't worry, White Wolf," he said with a deep chuckle. "Complicated is just part of the fun."

Peggy Carter stood with her arms crossed, her face a mixture of seriousness and command. "Enough with the banter. We need to move. Sinthea Schmidt won't wait for us to get our acts together."

Rhodey blinked at her, still trying to absorb the surreal nature of the situation. But the sharpness in her voice snapped him back to reality. "Right," he said, shaking his head. "Focus. Got it. Just... just one thing. Are we seriously about to charge into battle with all of you? Like, the legends themselves?" He gestured to the group in awe. "This... this is crazy."

"You'll get used to it, Lieutenant," Steve said, his voice calm, steady, and full of leadership. "We've all been through worse."

Harry looked over his shoulder, his golden Phoenix emblem gleaming in the light. "Let's not waste time talking about it. Time's running out for Tony." He stepped forward, his cloak trailing behind him like a phantom. "We need to find Sinthea Schmidt and stop her, fast."

Steve gave a short nod. "Agreed. Let's move."

The team fell into formation, each of them—legends in their own right—marching toward their shared goal with precision and purpose. Harry, Natasha, Rhodey, and the others were ready. The stakes were high, and the danger was real, but with this team, Rhodey knew one thing for certain: there was no mission too dangerous, no fight too impossible.

And as they headed toward their confrontation with Sinthea, Rhodey couldn't help but feel a strange sense of reassurance. They might be up against a monster, but they weren't alone. Not anymore.

—

The atmosphere inside the lab was thick with tension, but Tony Stark was oblivious, his usual self-assured swagger taking center stage. His fingers grazed over a blueprint, his mind already five steps ahead of whatever conversation he was having. To anyone watching, it would seem like a perfectly ordinary meeting between two brilliant minds—except that one of those minds belonged to Sinthea Schmidt, and she had no intention of just talking tech.

"This is incredible," Tony said, leaning back in his chair, grinning like a kid who'd just figured out how to hack the system. "I mean, look at this. If we can pull this off, it's gonna be world-changing. Maybe even world-saving." His tone was all genuine enthusiasm, and he punctuated it with a quick, self-congratulatory chuckle. "You've got the right idea, Sinthea. You really know your stuff."

Sinthea, playing the part of the charming, mysterious mastermind, leaned in closer, her eyes glittering with something Tony was too busy admiring to notice. "Oh, I'm sure you're more than capable, Tony," she said, her voice a smooth whisper, pulling him in like a spider wrapping him in silk. "Together, we could be unstoppable."

Tony grinned, leaning into her words like a moth to a flame. "I like the sound of that. And hey, not to brag, but 'unstoppable' is kind of my middle name," he said, winking at her, completely unaware of the more sinister undertones in her expression.

Sinthea's smile, however, didn't reach her eyes. Instead, it was laced with something darker, a glint of malice hiding beneath the sweet façade. But Tony, ever the optimist, just took it as a sign of her enthusiasm.

As the conversation continued, Tony was already mentally mapping out the next steps for their collaboration, lost in the possibilities. Meanwhile, outside the lab, Bucky Barnes—White Wolf—was crouched by the entrance, his eyes sharp, scanning the perimeter with all the focus of a predator on the hunt. Something was off. There was a tension in the air that felt like a storm waiting to break.

"Steve," Bucky muttered, voice low, his instincts kicking into overdrive. "Two agents, moving toward the back entrance. Not our usual crowd."

Steve Rogers—Captain America—raised an eyebrow, his expression hardening with purpose. "Hydra. I'll take care of it." He adjusted his shield, every motion purposeful as he began to move toward the threat.

Behind him, Peggy Carter's voice cut through the air, as commanding as ever. "We're not giving them an inch, Steve. Neutralize them quickly. We can't afford any mistakes."

Natasha, poised in the shadows, was already slipping into position. A silent nod to Bucky was all the communication she needed. This was her kind of operation—quick, clean, and no room for error.

Rhodey, however, stood awkwardly off to the side, clearly out of his element. He had no idea how he had gotten wrapped up in this mess. One minute, he was a hopeful Air Force recruit, and now he was standing in the middle of a full-blown covert operation with Super-soldiers. Talk about a career change.

"So, uh, what exactly am I supposed to do?" Rhodey asked, his voice betraying the uncertainty that had taken root in his gut. "I mean, I know I'm a big guy, but, uh, this isn't exactly a good place for someone with no powers, right?"

Harry, who had been calmly walking toward the back of the building, his golden armor gleaming in the fading sunlight, shot Rhodey a sidelong glance. "You're not the sidekick type, Rhodey," he said, his tone laced with amusement. "But if it helps, you can keep an eye on Tony. He seems a little too cozy in there with Sinthea. We don't want him getting too distracted."

Rhodey looked at Tony, who was still completely absorbed in his conversation with Sinthea, oblivious to the danger. "Right. Got it. Keep an eye on the genius in there. That's… surprisingly easy," he said, trying to sound more confident than he felt.

Outside, Bucky crouched low, his hand on his weapon as his eyes darted back and forth. "They're closing in. Time to take out the trash," he muttered, cracking his knuckles. "Let's see if these guys can actually keep up."

Inside the lab, Tony was lost in Sinthea's words, her voice almost hypnotic as it wrapped around him. "I think we're really on to something here," she purred, her eyes locking onto his with an intensity that sent a thrill up his spine. "Tony, we could build something incredible together—something beyond tech. A partnership, perhaps."

Tony chuckled, his ego soaring. "I like the sound of that," he said, giving her a wink. "But let's not get ahead of ourselves. We've still got a lot of work to do before we change the world, right?"

Sinthea smiled, but it was a smile that didn't quite match the cool calculation in her eyes. "Of course, Tony," she said, her voice a velvet whisper. "We'll get there. Together."

Meanwhile, Bucky and Natasha were already moving in on the Hydra agents, their stealth and coordination impeccable. Steve and Peggy weren't far behind, ready to put the squeeze on the intruders before they even knew what hit them. The rest of the team was ready to spring into action—Alexei, the Red Guardian, was waiting for the signal to charge if things went south.

As Rhodey continued to watch Tony and Sinthea, a nagging feeling grew in his chest. Something didn't sit right. Tony seemed so... comfortable. Too comfortable. It wasn't just the tech. It was the way Tony was reacting to her—like he was falling for every word she said, every move she made.

"This doesn't feel right," Rhodey muttered to himself. "Not at all."

Bucky, now on the move, muttered under his breath, "This is about to get real ugly."

And ugly it was. The Hydra agents had arrived, and they were closing in. The team wasn't about to let them get any closer, but the stakes were high. This wasn't just about the mission. It was about keeping Tony out of Hydra's clutches—before they succeeded in what they'd been trying to do all along.

"Let's move out," Steve barked. "No room for mistakes."

Peggy's eyes were hard with resolve. "Agreed."

With weapons drawn and the team moving with military precision, the team sprang into action. They wouldn't let Hydra take Tony—not on their watch.

And Rhodey? For the first time in a long time, he felt like he belonged. He wasn't just a bystander. He was part of something that mattered. And when Hydra came knocking, they would get a lesson they wouldn't soon forget.

---

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