Chapter 24 - Arcane Solutions: Shop-Chapter 24

Energy Stone settlement, two chapters of reward sections updated, wish everyone enjoyable reading.

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"Of course, Miss Black. Please proceed." Minister Quahog nodded with formal courtesy, gesturing for Gemini to continue.

"I believe this distinguished assembly is aware of my recent relocation from Britain. Through fortuitous circumstances, I became acquainted with Mr. Stark. During his gracious invitation to visit his estate, I discovered artifacts left by his late mother. After securing Mr. Stark's explicit consent, I employed magical instruments brought from Britain to breach the protective seal. Together, we witnessed the memories contained within." Gemini's voice carried aristocratic precision, her unwavering gaze fixed on the contemptuous witch above. "Does this explanation address your concerns, Councilwoman Rappaport?"

"You're nothing but an underage child," Rappaport sneered with undisguised disdain. "What possible qualification could you possess to breach a mature wizard's enchantments?"

"Because her instructor is the most exceptional wizard this world has ever known—even if he exists now only as a portrait!"

The obsidian doors exploded inward with thunderous force. Brilliant light flooded the chamber as a figure strode through the breach—wild black hair catching the illumination, round spectacles glinting with fury, emerald eyes blazing with righteous indignation. His traveling cloak billowed dramatically with each purposeful step.

"I was unaware that MACUSA had stooped to using formal tribunals to intimidate a recently awakened wizard and an underage witch!" The newcomer's voice rang with the authority of legend itself, each word crackling with barely contained magic. "I demand an immediate explanation for this travesty!"

"How did you—?" Gemini stared in stunned recognition at the approaching figure.

Before she could finish, warm arms enveloped her from behind. "Hush, sweetheart. Let Harry handle the politics," a familiar voice murmured against her ear. "Bring your friend—we're leaving this barbaric circus immediately."

A witch with intelligent brown eyes and practical robes had materialized beside them, her protective embrace both comforting and commanding. Hermione Granger-Weasley radiated the quiet confidence of someone accustomed to managing crises.

"Actually, I think there's been a misunderstanding," Gemini managed, bewilderment clear in her voice. "We weren't being interrogated—"

Her words died as she caught sight of Seraphina's expression in the gallery. The elderly witch's lips curved in unmistakable satisfaction, accompanied by a distinctly mischievous wink.

"You planned this entire charade!" Gemini's voice pitched higher with indignation. "Hermione, did you all orchestrate this theatrical performance?"

Hermione smiled with fond exasperation. "Explanations can wait until we're somewhere more civilized. This chamber reeks of political posturing." She glanced meaningfully at Harry, who was currently reducing several Congress members to stammering apologies. "Let him finish dismantling their arguments. He's rather enjoying himself."

Gemini and Tony found themselves shepherded to the Floo network with bewildering efficiency. Under Hermione's expectant gaze, Gemini mechanically provided their destination: "All-Purpose Shop."

Emerald flames consumed them, depositing the trio in the shop's familiar sitting room. Gemini remained frozen in place, her expression cycling through confusion, betrayal, and mounting fury.

"Someone had better start explaining," she said with deceptive calm, arms crossed defensively. "Now."

Hermione turned to Tony with professional warmth. "I should introduce myself properly. Hermione Weasley—something of an older sister to our Gemini. You're the gentleman who redecorated Ollivander's shop with explosive enthusiasm, I presume?"

Tony winced with theatrical guilt. "Guilty as charged. Tony Stark—and before you ask, yes, I'll pay for the damages."

"How do you even know about that?!" Gemini exploded, her carefully maintained composure finally shattering. "Ollivander swore confidentiality! I'm going to hex his entire inventory into sawdust!"

Tony blinked in surprise. This passionate outburst was the first genuinely teenage behavior he'd witnessed from Gemini—a refreshing contrast to her usual sophisticated mask.

"Darling, don't you want to understand what's actually happening?" Hermione settled beside Gemini on the sofa, wrapping protective arms around tense shoulders. "Let me explain everything, and then you can plan your revenge on Ollivander properly."

Gemini turned away with wounded dignity, chin raised in aristocratic disdain. "This had better be spectacular."

Hermione gestured for Tony to join them, then began weaving the complex truth with practiced skill.

The moment Gemini and Tony had breached the seal at Stark Manor, Seraphina had felt the magical resonance across continents. She and Maria had crafted those protections together decades ago—their dissolution sent ripples through carefully maintained enchantments.

After observing the unlikely partnership between Gemini and Tony, Seraphina made a calculated decision. She contacted Harry Potter directly, bypassing normal diplomatic channels to reach Gemini's legal guardian.

Harry's initial reaction had been predictably explosive—he'd wanted to Apparate to America immediately and drag Gemini home by force. Only Hermione's intervention had prevented an international incident.

"Gemini's magical abilities already exceed most adult wizards," Hermione explained gently. "Returning her to Hogwarts would be... problematic. Students would fear her. Teachers wouldn't know how to handle her power. She's happier here, building something meaningful."

Seraphina had requested a private conference, revealing the true scope of the crisis brewing within MACUSA. Tony's importance to the magical world couldn't be overstated—he represented the crucial bridge between No-Maj and wizarding societies. His success or failure would determine whether America achieved peaceful integration or descended into the kind of warfare that had nearly destroyed wizarding Britain.

But the revelation that had truly ignited Harry's fury was Gemini's presence in Maria's prophecy. Harry had lost his parents, his childhood, and nearly his life because of prophecy. Now another child under his protection faced similar manipulation by fate.

Seraphina had been forced to reveal the complete prophecy: A great catastrophe approaches this world—one that will consume both magical and mundane alike. Survival requires unprecedented cooperation between the two societies. The key to this alliance rests with Maria's son, who will guide America's magical world into the light of public knowledge through peace, not conquest. The black-haired daughter of Britain shall serve as his guide into our hidden realm, and through their partnership, both worlds may yet endure the coming darkness.

Within MACUSA, factions had formed around this prophecy. Progressives like Seraphina worked toward peaceful revelation. Traditionalists clung to centuries of secrecy. Extremists—led by families like the Rappaports—viewed any cooperation with No-Majs as contamination worthy of violence.

The Rappaport family's hatred ran particularly deep. Since their namesake law's repeal in 1965, their political influence had crumbled. They blamed No-Maj sympathizers for their decline, nursing resentments that had curdled into murderous intent.

"Tony has already survived three assassination attempts," Hermione revealed quietly. "Seraphina's protection is the only reason he's still breathing."

Gemini's role as Tony's guide created an unbreakable magical bond—she was now irrevocably entangled in America's supernatural politics. Her safety depended entirely on Tony's success in bridging two worlds that had remained separate for centuries.

The weight of destiny had found her again, just as it had found Harry all those years ago.

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