Three days later, the main hall of the French Ministry of Magic was filled to capacity.
Rowan Mercer stood on the stage beside Amy as rows of Aurors, clerks, and foreign correspondents looked on. Cameras from wizarding newspapers flashed without pause, including several from the Daily Prophet.
The Minister stepped forward and placed a medal around Rowan's neck, then another around Amy's. Two heavy pouches followed, each stamped with the Ministry seal and weighing with a thousand gold Galleons.
"On behalf of the French Ministry of Magic," the Minister announced, "I award the Medal of Bravery to Rowan Mercer and Amy for their decisive role in the capture of the dark wizard Rodriguez Maddox. We thank you for your service to the wizarding community of France and welcome you here anytime."
Applause thundered through the hall.
When it finally ended, Lina leaned over and grinned. "You know, Rowan, you're probably the youngest person in French history to receive that medal."
Amy laughed, lifting her pouch. "And it's well earned. I just rode your coattails."
She looked happier than Rowan had ever seen her. It had been a long time since she'd held that much money.
"Tonight's on me," she declared. "Best tavern on Magical Street."
"Aren't you heading back to Britain?" Rowan asked, weighing the pouch in his hand. "I heard the Ministry there reviewed your case. Your dismissal was overturned."
Amy planted her hands on her hips, chin raised. "Overturned and promoted. I'm being transferred to the Department of International Magical Cooperation as deputy director."
Rowan blinked. "That's… not a small step."
"I asked to delay the posting until summer's over," she added lightly. "I promised to teach you through the holidays. I don't break promises."
Rowan smiled and gave her a thumbs-up. "That's my teacher. Start strong, finish strong."
It was a good outcome. Between Amy's new position, his own growing list of contacts, and the favors quietly owed, Rowan had built more foundations inside the Ministry than most wizards managed in a lifetime.
And he was only entering his second year.
He stayed in France for the rest of the summer, refining his magic and carefully studying the ancient spell in private. Hermione visited from time to time, and the days passed without incident.
Until the other world called.
In another reality, Rowan sat cross-legged on the lawn of his school, eyes closed, breathing slow as he tried to imitate the ancient method of sensing the world itself rather than forcing power outward.
Footsteps approached.
"I've found the person you asked me to look for," the professor said calmly.
Rowan opened his eyes. "Then it seems we're getting a new teacher."
And, more importantly, another wand core.
He pulled out his phone and began skimming the news. He'd been staying on campus, splitting his attention across multiple lives and keeping his head down.
Headlines scrolled past.
Pepper Potts Appointed CEO of Stark Industries. Is This the Beginning of the End?
Tony Stark Attacked at Monaco Raceway. Assailant Subdued.
Concerns Raised Over Stark's Recent Behavior.
Rowan didn't linger. Stark would survive his own chaos. Someone else was already watching him.
Then he found it.
A Green Monster Spotted at Culver University in Virginia. Military Forced to Retreat.
The attached video showed a massive green figure smashing a military vehicle like a toy.
The comments dismissed it as special effects. Even eyewitnesses were laughed off. Unless destruction reached an impossible scale, reality could still be smoothed over.
Rowan locked the phone and looked up. "Where is he now?"
"Manhattan," the professor replied. "Grebin University. His mind carries something… angry. Do you want me to intervene?"
Rowan shook his head. "Steve's not here, is he?"
"He took the weekend off to visit a friend. He'll be back tomorrow."
Rowan nodded. With one of them always staying behind for the students, the choice was clear.
"I'll handle this one myself," Rowan said. "It won't take long."