Marvel's Hogwarts Professor

Vientiane World – Leisure Area

For the sorcerers of Kamar-Taj, leisure came in many forms. They enjoyed eating and drinking with friends, discussing the nuances of magic, and, at times, engaging in friendly combat. These activities allowed them to release pent-up energy and find a sense of calm amid their demanding lives. Here, within the magical boundaries of Vientiane World, the leisure area offered a unique space for sorcerers to unwind in ways that were both familiar and refreshingly different.

This place was no ordinary meeting hall or bustling bar. Instead, it exuded a sense of refined tranquility, more akin to a grand library or a quiet café. The area was designed with soft lighting, bookshelves brimming with tomes on every imaginable subject, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee and fragrant teas wafting through the air. Every sorcerer who stepped into this place felt an immediate sense of peace as the strains of battle, the burdens of learning, and the pressures of duty melted away.

Of course, such an effect wasn't purely the result of the inviting decor or the ambiance. A powerful magic circle enveloped the entire leisure area, working silently to purify minds and soothe emotions, dissolving negative thoughts and restoring balance to all who entered. For the sorcerers of Kamar-Taj, this area was as vital as the trading stalls and potions shops. After obtaining rare items or engaging in intense discussions, many came here to decompress, nursing a cup of coffee, chatting with companions, or simply diving into a book to let their thoughts wander.

As Bruce Banner and Natasha entered the leisure area, they felt a stark contrast from the trading district they had just left. Whereas the trading stalls were sparsely populated, the leisure area was lively, filled with sorcerers dressed in robes and garments from every corner of the magical world. Some sat alone, deeply engrossed in reading, while others shared quiet laughter over intriguing tales. Still others appeared to be meditating, seated in serene silence with eyes closed, perhaps lost in a mystical contemplation.

Bruce was taken aback by the transformation he felt as he crossed the threshold. It was as if he had stepped into an entirely different world, one that seemed to cleanse his spirit with each breath. The cool, refreshing air calmed his mind, and the ever-present tension he carried from his alter ego, the Hulk, seemed to dissipate. Though the anger remained, its potency had dulled to a mere whisper, easily managed by the newfound serenity within him. This revelation filled him with hope—a dream that perhaps, just perhaps, he could find lasting peace here.

"Shana, is there anything I should keep in mind while in the leisure area?" Bruce asked, addressing Shana, the small, radiant elf who had accompanied him since he and Natasha separated from Coulson and Rumlow.

"Mr. Banner," Shana replied, hovering mid-air with delicate wings that sparkled in the dim light, "any guest holding a magic card is welcome here in the leisure area. The magic circle here aids in meditation, alleviates inner distractions, and purifies the soul."

She continued, listing the rules with practiced ease. "First, please maintain a quiet atmosphere. Upon selecting a seat, a soundproof magic circle will automatically activate around it to preserve privacy. Second, each person consumes a small amount of magic power per hour to remain in the area. Third, seat costs vary by level: a table for two consumes 100 magic points per hour, a table for four requires 300, and a table for six…"

Bruce listened closely, each rule deepening his sense of admiration. The notes Shana handed him, outlining the terms of leisure area usage, were meticulously detailed. He read through each rule, feeling an odd mix of amusement and amazement. He'd once assumed magical places would resemble the chaotic bars or noisy gatherings depicted in popular stories, where sorcerers caroused, argued, and showed off their skills. But here, reality defied his expectations. This wasn't an unruly gathering; it was a sanctuary—a true, magical civilization at work.

Yes, civilization was the right word. The Vientiane World felt refined and orderly, from the courteous elven guides to the intricate design of the trading and leisure areas. There was a formal, systematic charm to it all, a sense of cohesion and care. With each new experience, Bruce's respect for Professor Lockhart and his creation deepened. It was clear that Lockhart had labored tirelessly to build this world, shaping it into a place that embodied the beauty and complexity of magic.

Feeling drawn to the bookshelves lining the walls, Bruce wandered over to them, his curiosity piqued. The shelves boasted an eclectic array of titles—literature, philosophy, history, and even a few texts on technology. He noticed, however, that while scientific books were sparse, stories, mythology, and social sciences filled the shelves. He smirked slightly, considering that for sorcerers, technology might be of minor interest—a curiosity rather than a necessity.

But as he scanned the spines of various books, Bruce began to frown. Where are the magic books? he wondered. Given that he was in a sorcerers' world, he had expected shelves packed with texts on spells, potions, and alchemy. Instead, he was greeted by mundane subjects, the kind he could easily find in any regular library. Disappointed, he turned to Shana.

"Shana," he asked softly, "where are the books on magic? The kind that teach you spells and magical theory?"

Shana regarded him with a gentle, almost apologetic smile. "Magic books hold magical energy within their pages, Mr. Banner. Only sorcerers or those with potential to become sorcerers can safely read them. For an ordinary person, attempting to read such books can lead to unintended consequences."

Bruce couldn't argue with that logic, though he couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. So, that's how it is, he mused.

Just then, Natasha, who had been browsing nearby, held up a thick, dark green tome. "Shana, is this a magic book?" she asked, showing the cover to the little elf.

Bruce turned his head to see a cover adorned with an illustration of a robed figure carrying a bag, seemingly about to embark on a journey. The title read, "Phyllis's Travels in the Nine Realms."

"Yes, Miss Natasha," Shana responded with a bright smile. "This is a travel diary written by Master Phyllis, recounting her experiences across various realms, including Asgard and Vanaheim. It contains fascinating insights into their cultures and landscapes. You may borrow it for 1 magic point per hour, and if you're a Kamar-Taj sorcerer, it's free to read."

Bruce's curiosity was reignited. "Natasha, where did you find that?" he asked, unable to hide his interest.

Natasha gestured to a spot just to their left. "Over there, next to a book called 'Beware of Mephisto's Fraud.'"

Bruce followed her gaze, but where Natasha pointed, he saw nothing but an empty gap on the shelf. Even more puzzling was the fact that this empty spot seemed intentionally placed, yet it was so inconspicuous that he might never have noticed it if Natasha hadn't pointed it out. So, I really am barred from seeing these magic books, he thought with a hint of irony.

Unbeknownst to him, this was the effect of a cleverly cast Muggle-shielding charm devised by Lockhart. For the sorcerers of Kamar-Taj, the books were freely available, but for ordinary people like Bruce, magic knowledge remained tantalizingly out of reach unless they possessed the potential to wield it.

Resolving to make the most of the experience, Bruce sat down beside Natasha, accepting the book she handed him. As he opened to the first page, he felt a strange sensation—a tingling at the back of his mind, a prickling warmth spreading behind his eyes. Words swam before him, blurring and twisting, as shadows flitted across his vision. Whispers filled his ears, dark and indistinct, and a deep-seated anger—his old companion—stirred within him, rising slowly like smoke from a long-dormant fire.

In a flash, Bruce snapped the book shut, jolting back to reality. He closed his eyes, breathing deeply, struggling to suppress the simmering rage within. No, he thought, fighting to stay in control. But he could feel the anger pressing back, fierce and insistent, clawing its way to the surface.

Natasha, sensing the change, tensed. She saw the green hue darkening on Bruce's skin, his muscles tightening, his body swelling. Her hand went instinctively to the syringe at her waist—a special antidote developed by SHIELD, designed to calm Bruce in moments of near-transformation. She aimed the needle at his neck, bracing herself for what might come next.

Then, suddenly, the world darkened briefly, and a familiar figure appeared beside Bruce—a flash of black and a shimmer of blue robes. It was Gilderoy Lockhart, calm and composed, his hand resting gently on Bruce's shoulder.

Bruce heard a voice, soothing and gentle, resonating deep within his mind. "Be still. Breathe, focus on my voice. You can find your calm. I'll help you regain control."

==============================================

Support me at [email protected]/goldengaruda and check out more chapter of this FANFIC or more early access chapter of my other fanfic translation.

==============================================