Fury's eye flickered. He agreed easily enough. What he actually thought? Anyone's guess.
Maria saw right through him. "Don't even try it. The wizards you could actually recruit would be bottom-of-the-barrel types. They'd cause problems you couldn't clean up. Focus on establishing cooperation with the magical community in America instead."
That was all Maria said. She'd warned him. Besides, she was just a portrait. What else could she do?
The conversation flew by. Dawn was breaking outside. Fury had picked up bits and pieces about the wizarding world—enough to know there were magical streets in America. He immediately wanted to visit one.
Tony still had to get to Britain. No time to babysit them.
He gave them the direct route: place an order with Gemini. Ethan was watching her shop anyway, so she could spare the time. Besides, they'd be going to her store and back. If these two tried anything, Coby wouldn't be pleased.
After seeing them off, Tony barely managed to say goodbye to Maria before collapsing into bed.
Fury and Coulson left Tony's place. They didn't head straight back to S.H.I.E.L.D. Instead, they went to one of Fury's safe houses nearby and stashed the books.
"Coulson, what do you think? Can we trust this?" Fury traced the mark on his hand.
Coulson touched his receding hairline. Could magic cure baldness? "I think it's legit, sir. The other four members of the Security Council sometimes have these little agreements—vague hints about certain things existing. I think they meant the wizarding world. And if someone created all this just to fool us—this whole world with strict hierarchies, specific laws, those people, that magic—I can't figure out what they'd gain."
Fury went quiet. His eye showed Coulson's blue aura, steady as always. Coulson was trustworthy.
"Set up an appointment. Like Tony said, we'll place an order at the All-Purpose Shop. You and me. We'll check out the magical street." Fury said.
Coulson nodded. "Just the two of us?"
Fury thought about Coulson's subordinate, Level 4 Agent Sitwell. For some reason, the man kept shifting between red and yellow. That knocked Fury's faith in S.H.I.E.L.D. down a notch. He'd need to vet the others. No point getting sold out.
"I'll think about it. Rest up. We'll talk tomorrow." Fury stood and opened the door, then turned and gestured.
Coulson blinked, stood up, and walked out. He turned back, about to say something—
The safe house door shut in his face.
"Right. Got it." Coulson sighed and went to find somewhere to sleep. Somewhere far from here. Couldn't expose Fury's location.
The sun was nearly setting when Tony finally crawled out of bed. He wolfed down a quick meal, told Maria he was leaving, and used the method Gemini taught him—straight through the fireplace to the International Travel Department. He caught the last fireplace connection before the receptionist clocked out. Destination: Britain.
Two days later, Fury finished vetting his people. Some of his direct agents were solid—Natasha and Hawkeye Clinton Barton were trustworthy. Even Maria Hill, who'd been assigned to him, showed yellow trending toward blue. But why did everyone else have hints of red? Fury was starting to feel like he wasn't running S.H.I.E.L.D., but sitting in some terrorist nest.
The team for the magical street was set. Mexico had some issues—Coulson needed to check it out, and Barton was assigned to assist. That left only Natasha on leave. Perfect timing for her to accompany him.
After sending a disappointed Coulson to the airport, Fury and Natasha arrived at the All-Purpose Shop.
"Hello. I have an appointment with the proprietor." Fury said to Ethan as he approached.
"I know. Follow me. Friendly tip—hope you didn't eat too much breakfast." Ethan led them to the staircase, gestured for them to go up, and left.
"Are we about to do something strenuous?" Natasha raised an eyebrow.
"No idea. First time for me too." Fury shrugged.
Gemini was already waiting in the parlor. All she carried was a palm-sized bag.
She looked them over. Fury wore black leather under a black trench coat. No issues there. Natasha, though—way too provocative. The tight leather suit hugged every curve, and the V-neck plunged nearly to her navel.
Gemini frowned. "Coby, bring me that black silk cloak I made last year."
"Yes, Miss." Coby appeared. A second later, a black satin cloak with lace trim materialized, spread open before them.
"I know America has freedom of dress, but where we're going is a bit old-fashioned. Your outfit will draw too much attention. I assume you want to keep a low profile." Gemini explained to Natasha. She remembered this woman—resisted the shop's little enchantments through sheer willpower. She didn't mind showing a small favor to interesting people. Of course, if Fury had dressed inappropriately, Gemini would've made him leave and change.
Natasha smiled immediately. "Thank you. It's a cute cloak. I've been meaning to try a different style anyway." She reached out, caught the floating cloak, and threw it over her shoulders. The pearl clasp at the collar clicked shut with a light touch, instantly covering her provocative figure completely.
Gemini nodded, satisfied. She liked people who listened.
"Let's go. Follow my steps exactly. I don't want to have to scrape your pieces out of someone's kitchen fireplace." Gemini walked to the fireplace.
Fury and Natasha exchanged glances and watched her movements closely.
Gemini grabbed a handful of emerald Floo Powder and threw it into the fireplace. Brilliant green flames erupted. She stepped in, skirt lifted slightly, and spoke clearly: "The Copper Oak!"
Flash of light. Gemini vanished.
Fury rushed forward and examined the fireplace carefully. She was definitely gone. He turned. "You first or me?"
Natasha strode forward. "I'll go. You cover the rear."
She mimicked Gemini's actions. Threw the powder. Tested the flames with her hand—no heat at all. She stepped in carefully. "The Copper Oak."
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