Marvel's Hogwarts Professor

New York, Queens – An Outdoor Café

A gentle breeze danced through the outdoor café, filling the air with the fresh scent of trees and blooming flowers. Beneath a tall parasol, most guests seated around tables breathed in deeply, a quiet sense of appreciation gracing their faces. Some were busy at their laptops, fingers flying over keyboards, a steaming cup of coffee beside them. Others leaned back in their chairs, exchanging laughter and stories with friends, while a few simply sat in meditative silence, eyes closed, savoring a peaceful moment of rest.

A nearby news broadcast added a hum of life to the atmosphere. The young female host's voice carried over the crowd:

"In today's news, Apple's stock price rose by 2% due to breakthroughs in new technology research and development…"

She continued, "The grand opening of New York City's Rand Commercial Plaza is coming soon. This monumental project, built by a coalition of five companies, represents an investment of over 200 million dollars…"

The name Johnny Blaze surfaced next, the renowned Daredevil rumored to be attending the plaza's opening ceremony. A few café patrons exchanged glances at the mention of Blaze, murmuring among themselves, intrigued.

Bruce Banner sat quietly, absorbing every word of the broadcast. The familiar sights, sounds, and scents of New York washed over him like a flood of memories. He'd been in India for nearly two years, dedicating himself to meditation and learning how to tame his volatile emotions. Though he had achieved some control, he knew it wasn't foolproof—stressful situations could still trigger a relapse.

Banner hadn't returned to New York for nostalgia alone. He had a purpose, a need that went beyond himself.

"Hello, Dr. Banner? My name is Irena."

Lost in his thoughts, Banner looked up in surprise as a soft, confident voice interrupted him. Standing across the table was a red-haired woman dressed in pristine white. Her face was finely sculpted, and her presence was magnetic. For a moment, Bruce found himself drawn to her, charmed by her calm and elegant demeanor.

What Bruce didn't realize, however, was that "Irena" was none other than Natasha Romanoff—Black Widow—disguised for the mission. Lockhart, had he been there, would have immediately recognized her from previous encounters.

"Yes, I'm Bruce Banner," he replied, rising to his feet and extending his hand.

Natasha gave a professional nod as they shook hands. "Dr. Banner, I've followed your work for quite some time. Your research in nuclear physics is groundbreaking—truly ahead of its time."

Banner smiled modestly. "Thank you, but any success I've had is thanks to standing on the shoulders of giants."

They took their seats, and Banner wasted no time. "Irena, I need to know—are you responsible for sending me the potion? And if so, is it possible to meet its creator?"

Natasha smiled, catching the hint of urgency in his tone. Gently, she brushed a lock of red hair from her face. "Yes, Dr. Banner. We sent the potion to you. I'm curious—what did you think of it?"

Bruce Banner paused. He understood that if she had managed to locate him in such a remote part of India, she must belong to an organization with significant resources. More than that, the potion she'd sent was evidence of substantial scientific prowess, indicating that this wasn't just a simple act of charity. Nevertheless, Banner nodded and gave his honest evaluation.

"It works, to an extent. Unlike traditional sedatives, the potion stabilizes emotions without side effects. However, it only lasts a minute or two before my emotions start to resurface. If it could last even ten minutes—maybe half an hour—it would make an enormous difference."

Natasha's smile broadened, her eyes sparkling with a knowing glint that left Banner momentarily taken aback.

"Dr. Banner, the potion you received is merely one of our early-stage prototypes," she explained. "What you have is an imitation of something much more powerful. The original item is at least ten times stronger, maybe even more."

Banner's eyes widened. "Are you serious? How long is the effect of the original? How many tests have been conducted? Is there a steady supply? And what exactly is in it?"

Bruce's barrage of questions came out in a rapid, unfiltered stream. Natasha's expression froze briefly; she was no scientist, after all. There was no way she could provide such technical details. So, she waited for him to finish before offering a mild, apologetic smile.

"Dr. Banner, I apologize. I'm not directly involved in the project. For detailed information, you would need to speak to the actual researchers."

Changing the topic slightly, she continued, "But I can assure you that we're a legitimate organization, operating under the World Security Council. New York is our primary base, and as long as you're here, you can count on our protection."

Banner listened to her assurances but remained skeptical. Kind words were easy to offer, but few people followed through.

He couldn't help repeating the project's name in his mind—Water of Sanity. Aptly named, he thought, given its power to grant a fleeting clarity and freedom from overpowering emotions.

Sensing his lingering distrust, Natasha pulled out a small vial containing a silver-gray liquid, placing it on the table in front of him.

"Dr. Banner, this is the prototype we've developed based on our research. Take it with you and try it when you need it most."

Banner took the vial, carefully placing it in a small wooden box he carried. After slipping the box into his pocket, he regarded Natasha intently.

"Before we go any further, Miss Irena, I need to know," he said, his tone steady. "What do you want from me?"

Natasha leaned back, her smile unfaltering. "Dr. Banner, with your seven doctorates, we'd want you primarily for research. But if you agree to join us, we're ready to mobilize every resource at our disposal to help solve your unique… condition."

Banner raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Her offer sounded appealing, yet he knew better than to accept anything without knowing all the details.

"Then tell me," he replied, his voice steady, "what exactly is this plan you mentioned?"

Natasha's eyes sparkled with conviction as she answered, "It's called... The Avengers Initiative."

Kamar-Taj

In a grand living room, a dozen sorcerers sat around a long table. The ancient walls of Kamar-Taj lent an air of gravity to their gathering. Master David poured tea for the nine seated Masters, the fragrance wafting throughout the room. However, most barely sipped their tea, their minds too preoccupied to savor its delicate aroma.

"David," began Master Heck, his tone critical, "the strategies you suggested have had little effect on Lockhart. In fact, his organization—Vientiane World—is thriving."

The other sorcerers murmured in agreement. Master David's face remained impassive as he listened to their complaints.

"It's true," one sorcerer said thoughtfully. "The Vientiane World far exceeds expectations. Transactions are efficient, and every resource I need is readily available."

Master Heck nodded, continuing, "Our current strength alone won't be enough to challenge Lockhart. Moreover, the creation of Vientiane World supposedly involved the Sorcerer Supreme. I investigated, and it's true."

The room fell into contemplative silence. As the Masters exchanged glances, they silently acknowledged the truth in Heck's words.

Finally, Heck broke the silence. "Therefore, I propose we abandon any plans targeting Master Lockhart. Not out of fear, but because such efforts would be a waste."

Some Masters nodded, seeing the logic. After all, they were all united in their fight against threats to Earth, like the dimensional demons. Why waste energy on Lockhart?

As murmurs of agreement rose around the table, Master David remained silent, his expression unchanging. Deep down, however, a spark of defiance simmered. He wasn't interested in the Vientiane World or peaceful coexistence—he sought strength, and chaos magic.

Watching his peers, Master Heck gauged each sorcerer's reaction, making careful note of those who were unwilling to give up the pursuit.

One by one, the Masters voiced their agreement, nodding in unison. "What Heck says is true," they said. "It would be foolish to continue this struggle. It would only cost us and yield little gain."

And so, under the weight of reality, the Masters reached a consensus: it was time to shift their focus away from Lockhart.

Yet, as the room fell quiet once more, Master David's dark gaze lingered, his thoughts racing.

This is not over yet Lockhart…..

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