Marvel: Trading with Worlds

Of course, there was no way the black cat would give herself away!

Hermione thought to herself with a sense of pride. She had put in a lot of effort and preparation to master Animagus transformation but had kept it entirely secret.

Professor McGonagall had her suspicions, believing Hermione intended to start studying Animagus magic in her fifth year. Little did she know, Hermione had already succeeded in mastering it back in her third year.

Even her roommates, Harry, and Ron had no idea. Hermione knew better than to tell them—after all, they were notorious for being unable to keep a secret.

When Kain and Hermione entered the Great Hall, nearly everyone was stunned by their appearance and demeanor.

Kain, already deemed the "most popular prince professor" by the female students at Hogwarts, continued to turn heads. While some male students found him intimidating, very few female students shared that sentiment.

But Hermione's transformation was what truly left everyone speechless. With styled hair, an elegant dress, and light makeup, she had shed her usual bookish image. 

Instead, she exuded the poise and beauty of a noble young woman, especially as she stood beside Kain.

"Merlin's beard, who is she? How is she Professor Pent's dance partner?"

"Why not me? She's only slightly prettier than I am! I want to stand by Professor Pent, hold his arm, and dance with him too!"

"Wake up! I hate to burst your bubble, but the only girl who could compare to the one next to Professor Pent is Fleur from Beauxbatons."

For those who knew Hermione—like Harry, Ron, and Lavender—the shock was even greater.

In their minds, Hermione's defining traits were her intelligence and knack for being a bit of a know-it-all. She was the girl who could answer almost any question and was fiercely dedicated to winning the House Cup.

But tonight, they realized Hermione Granger could be stunning. With her new look, she could easily be called the most beautiful girl in Gryffindor—and perhaps even all of Hogwarts.

Once everyone had entered the Great Hall and taken their seats, the banquet began. But as people sat down, they noticed something odd: there was no food on the tables, only plates, knives, and forks.

"Hermione, just follow the menu," Kain explained. "But if Phil or Isaac happen to be here, you can order off-menu if you'd like."

As Kain taught Hermione how to order, Dumbledore, seated at the high table, demonstrated for the rest of the hall. He picked up the menu, glanced at it, and said, "Pork chops."

Instantly, a delicious, steaming pork chop appeared on his plate.

Realizing how it worked, the other guests eagerly picked up their menus and began ordering their meals.

Kain, after some thought, chose a creamy baked seafood dish and a selection of Chinese cuisine. 

Hermione, following his lead, ordered her favorite dishes. Her eating habits had evolved significantly since meeting Kain, and she now ate more thoughtfully.

After all, food and enjoyment are some of the most fundamental human instincts. Kain was not one to deprive himself of any of life's pleasures—whether that meant good food, comfort, or other indulgences.

The students around them seemed eager to try ordering something not listed on the menu. Unfortunately, no food appeared when they attempted it. 

Unless they managed to convince the house-elves to bring in fresh supplies to the Hogwarts kitchens, their options remained limited.

During dinner, Hermione habitually began discussing her progress in Potions. She boasted that Professor Snape hadn't been able to find a single mistake in her potion brewing. 

"If it weren't for classroom etiquette, he wouldn't have any excuse to deduct points from me," she said with pride.

Her voice carried a bit louder than she intended, and since Kain and Hermione were seated close to the professors' table, Snape overheard every word. 

His expression darkened as he cut into the steak on his plate. In his mind, he was already planning to deduct at least ten points from Gryffindor during the next Potions class. 

If he couldn't find a reason to deduct from Miss Know-it-all, then Potter and Weasley would surely suffer the consequences.

After the meal, Dumbledore stood and waved his wand, magically removing the tables and chairs in the Great Hall. 

This cleared space for the dance that was to follow. The band, lighting, and other arrangements quickly appeared, transforming the hall for the four champions to lead the opening dance.

As the champions began, other students gradually joined the dance floor, moving to the rhythm of the music.

"Godfather, let's go too..."

Under the soft, dim light, Hermione's cheeks flushed red, but she boldly pulled Kain to the dance floor. She moved gracefully despite her petite frame—her head barely reached Kain's chin, even in high heels.

Hermione had clearly practiced in private. Her steps were light and elegant, almost like an elf gliding across the floor. 

Even though her high heels weren't perfectly comfortable, they didn't hinder her performance.

As the music played, Kain and Hermione quickly became the most captivating pair on the dance floor. Kain's commanding presence and natural grace drew countless admiring gazes, especially from the female students.

When the song ended and a livelier rhythm began, Kain and Hermione stepped aside to rest.

"These heels aren't great for long wear," Hermione admitted, her cheeks still pink. "I might need more practice in them."

Kain nodded and suggested, "Try using the necklace. It has healing spells enchanted into it."

At his suggestion, Hermione touched the necklace around her pale neck. She felt a warm surge of magic flow through her body, healing the scratches caused by her heels.

 Then, she adjusted her enchanted earrings, activating their recovery charm. Within moments, her energy returned, and she felt rejuvenated.

"This is incredible, Godfather," Hermione said with amazement. "If people knew about this, they'd go crazy trying to get one!"

Kain smiled at the compliment and replied, "Even if they wanted one, most wouldn't be able to afford it. Nicolas Flamel's alchemy items are rarely sold, and when they are, the price is astronomical. After all, alchemists never lack Galleons."

Hermione nodded but found herself wondering if she should ask her godfather to dance with her again, now that her energy had been restored. 

However, as she glanced at the crowded dance floor, she dismissed the idea. It seemed better to stay where they were rather than squeeze into the throng of dancers.

That innocent thought didn't last long. Soon, other young ladies approached, one after another, with a single purpose: to invite Professor Pent to dance.

"Sorry, I want to take a break," Kain said, turning down each offer with the same polite refusal. The idea of dancing with a group of young girls didn't interest him; he wasn't a social butterfly.

….

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