However, one thing was correct.
She was sufficient to teach any Hogwarts student. Even upper-year students.
Marvel.
"Five drops of glycerin... Six complete frog brains..."
Hermione held small vials. Carefully dripped ingredients into the cauldron.
"Tony, you really shouldn't talk to congressmen like that... He may be an idiot, but don't embarrass him publicly. After all, he can..."
"Alright, alright, I get it. Are you trying to kill me? But only I am Iron Man. The suit and I are one. I'll never hand over the technology to those greedy politicians..."
"But..."
Familiar arguing voices came from the door.
A "bang," then the door opened.
Hermione startled. Hand shook. Added one extra frog brain.
"BOOM!"
After an explosion, the cauldron immediately billowed black smoke. Pungent smell spreading.
"Damn!"
Hermione glared viciously at the two at the door.
"To-ny Sta-rk!!"
She glared through gritted teeth. "Didn't anyone teach you to knock before entering? Thanks to you, I wasted five drops of glycerin and frog brains!"
Though due to the magic book, she could brew potions with perfect success, the prerequisite was no errors in ingredient placement.
So still needed to be careful when brewing.
Tony and Pepper stood dumbfounded at the door. Entered to see Hermione looking furious. Like she wanted to punch someone.
"What's going on? What happened to my lab?!"
After recovering, Tony looked around. Eyes immediately widened.
His miniature arc reactor, armor components, and many high-tech devices were roughly thrown into corners. The original projection table was covered with bottles and jars, messy animal organs, pitch-black cauldrons, and things he couldn't even recognize.
Colorful gases floated in the air. Plus an indescribable smell.
What the hell happened here?
Is this still his lab?
He just went to D.C. for a hearing. How did his lab turn into this mess?!
"You, what did you do?"
Tony's voice trembled slightly.
"Ah, nothing much. I'm brewing potions. Originally wanted to borrow a lab. Saw you weren't here, so used the ready-made one."
Hermione remained calm. Poured the cauldron's residue on the floor. About to continue adding materials.
Watching the floor hiss and corrode, Tony's pointing hand trembled. Eye twitching wildly.
"Hermione Granger!!" He roared furiously. "You actually..."
"Why are you yelling? Didn't you say I could use anything in your house?"
Hermione glanced at him. Stirred the cauldron on her own.
Purple-black mud-like liquid gradually took shape.
Tony was speechless.
True, he did say that. But who expected she wouldn't play games or watch movies—but would cook up this here, turning his armor development lab into this state?
At this moment, he understood—Hermione's furious expression was because he barged in without knocking, voice too loud, startled her, causing the brewing to fail.
Tony was about to apologize when he suddenly realized something.
Wait, isn't this my house? Why should I knock?
"Damn witch, face me!"
Just as Tony was about to suit up, he suddenly stopped. Looked at these bottles and jars. Expression turned interested.
"Wait, you just said... potions?"
Hermione nodded. Casually picked up a small glass vial. Tossed it to Tony.
"For example, this is called Felix Felicis. Drinking it increases luck to some degree."
Held up another bottle.
"This is Draught of Living Death. Guarantees three days of sleep."
"This is Mandrake Restorative. Can remove petrification..."
Looking at the colorful liquids in the bottles, Tony looked doubtful.
"Do these things actually work? Won't poison people?"
Hermione was unhappy. "You're questioning my potion-making skills!"
Tony shook his head. "Look at your ingredients—chrysanthemums, caterpillars, leeches. Zero medical principles. How could they have the effects you claim?"
Hermione looked at him contemptuously.
"Muggles are muggles. Can't understand magic's wonder at all."
"You little brat..." Once again scorned, Tony's face darkened. Muttered quietly, "Sooner or later I'll crack your magic..."
About to leave with Pepper, Tony suddenly thought of something. Leaned close to Hermione, whispered, "Do you have... um... something that makes the body healthier..."
Hermione's head snapped up. Eyes widened in surprise. Gaze moved between Tony and Pepper.
Then exclaimed, "You're impotent?!"
"Cough, cough, cough..."
Tony nearly choked. Seeing Hermione's pitying eyes, instantly furious.
"I, the great Tony Stark, how could I be impotent? You're talking nonsense!"
Beside him, Pepper also blushed deeply.
"Hmph, we're leaving!"
Not wanting to talk to Hermione anymore, Tony pulled Pepper to leave. Said while walking, "Open champagne later. Your birthday's in a few days. I have a surprise for you."
Pepper's eyes showed joy. Asked, "What is it?"
"A surprise. You'll know soon."
Tony winked at her.
Watching Tony's mysterious act, Hermione said coldly, "He's making you Stark Industries CEO."
Pepper: "!!"
Tony: "??"
Tony froze for a second. Saw Hermione's barely suppressed smile. Finally reacted. Shouted angrily, "You... you did that on purpose!"
For this surprise, he'd prepared for days. Waiting for the right atmosphere to reveal it.
Didn't expect Hermione to casually blurt it out.
Before Tony could continue, Pepper covered her mouth. Face full of disbelief.
"Tony, you..."
Tony nodded helplessly.
"Wait, Pepper, speaking of which, I just remembered." Hermione pulled out a necklace from her pocket. "This is your birthday gift."
Pepper caught the automatically floating necklace.
The pendant was a small metal sphere. Shape not exactly ugly... but not particularly pretty either. Compared to high-end jewelry, even somewhat plain... But Pepper took one look, immediately removed her original necklace and put it on.
"Tsk, so ugly..."
Tony habitually opened his mouth. Shut up at Pepper's glare.
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