*38

Today is Tony's press conference regarding last night's incident. As long as he reads the statement on the card, he can smoothly mislead the reporters.

Pepper stood up, helping Tony adjust his suit while joking, "You're not Iron Man anyway, so why worry?"

Tony nodded, agreeing.

"True, because if I were Iron Man, my girlfriend who knew my true identity would constantly worry, fearing I'd die one day."

Looking at Pepper, Tony suddenly asked, "What were you thinking that night?"

"What night?"

"You know, that night."

"Oh, you mean the night we danced and went to the rooftop..."

At this point, both Pepper and Tony fell silent, gazing into each other's eyes, lost in the moment.

The room grew quiet, an unspoken tension building between them.

Coulson averted his gaze, awkwardly admiring the ceiling.

This ceiling is... quite something...

Suddenly, the silence was broken by a rustling noise.

"Huh? What's that sound?"

Tony frowned, glancing around but saw nothing.

"Chi Chi Chi..."

The noise persisted.

Could it be... from below?

Pepper and Tony exchanged a glance, then looked down.

There stood Hermione between them, munching on a big apple.

Noticing their stares, she glanced up.

"When did you get here?"

Tony exclaimed, startled.

Hermione was equally surprised, "Oh my goodness, I came with you two this morning. Was I invisible in the car? Are you blind?"

Tony shook his head, puzzled.

How did he not notice?

He was sure it was just the two of them on the drive.

Hermione was equally confused.

Why did it seem like they were under a Confundus Charm? But I didn't cast any spell!

As her eyes darted between Tony and Pepper, Hermione suddenly realized what had happened, recalling their earlier gazes.

"Alright, Tony Stark, you only have eyes for Pepper, huh? All about love, ignoring everything else!"

"I should've let you fend for yourself!"

With that, Pepper turned away, her face a mix of embarrassment and awkwardness.

"Crunch, crunch..."

Hermione bit into her apple fiercely.

"Okay, Tony."

With that, the moment was completely shattered. Pepper returned to normal, adjusted his collar, and said:

"It's time for your appearance."

Opportunity missed, Tony glared at Hermione.

You did that on purpose, didn't you?

"Maybe a little..." Hermione teased, sticking out her tongue.

"Hermione Jane Granger!!!"

---

With the words "I am Iron Man," Tony couldn't resist revealing his identity.

Watching his face on the TV, Hermione couldn't help but smirk.

Pepper thought Hermione was still upset about earlier, so she pulled her into a hug, soothingly saying:

"That's just Tony being Tony; you know how he is. Don't let it bother you."

Seeing Hermione silent, just twirling her wand idly, Pepper sighed:

"You saved his life and Tony's, he should really thank you. Is there anything you want? Ask, and my sister will make sure he does it!"

Hermione's eyes lit up.

Pepper quickly added, "Except for dragon heartstrings or phoenix feathers."

She recalled Hermione's earlier comments at S.H.I.E.L.D.

"Oh..."

Hermione's head sank back into Pepper's embrace.

To prevent Hermione from overthinking, Pepper explained, "It's not that I don't want to help, it's just those things are rare. We wouldn't know where to find them."

"Well... there is one thing. Have Tony modify my broomstick. I want to add some enhancements."

The time for rewards had come.

After days of effort, Hermione knew she wasn't inherently good. She'd built relationships with these superheroes to secure her place.

If she did a favor, it must be reciprocated. Otherwise, she'd turn cold.

After all this time, she'd secured a significant place in Tony's heart, whether through bonding with Pepper or helping him.

Even if she did nothing else, Tony wouldn't take her lightly.

Plan succeeded! Hermione's lips curled up.

Stark Industries, half of it was hers already!

With Pepper's help, Tony would work for her for life.

---

Tony left the venue, buoyant.

"Pepper, Hermione, the superhero Iron Man is officially born. Let's celebrate somewhere."

Pepper glanced at Hermione for her opinion.

"What would you like to eat?"

Hermione thought and replied, "Chinese food."

After so long, she missed her homeland's flavors.

Hogwarts meals weren't bad, but they were very... British, if you know what I mean.

Pepper nodded in agreement.

She'd been craving Cantonese dishes too.

"Oh, and," Hermione remembered, "make sure it's authentic. None of that General Tso's Chicken stuff. I can't fathom how Americans eat that."

You, a Brit, are saying this...?

Tony and Pepper both rolled their eyes, amused.

Seriously, Lord Dong... forget it.

Hermione saw their thoughts and shrugged.

Tony thought a moment, "Let's not go out. I'll have a chef come to Stark Tower for dinner."

Evil capitalist... Hermione mentally sighed.

But... okay!

---

**Evening**

**Top Floor, Stark Tower**

Men in evening suits, women in white blazers, and children in timeless wizard robes.

Pepper, in snowy white, craved Cantonese cuisine.

The two exchanged affectionate glances over their glasses.

Hermione couldn't stand it, burying herself in her meal, ignoring the romantic vibe.

She'd hoped to sneak some wine, but Pepper's watchful hand stopped her, ignoring Hermione's pout, leaving only, "Kids can't drink."

After dinner, they drove back to Tony's place.

In the Marvel world, Hermione was a "black sheep," without funds or a home, so Pepper invited her to stay.

Now that Pepper and Tony were officially a couple, Hermione naturally moved in.

As they entered, Hermione suddenly paused, staring into the dark center of the hall.