The flight was long, and after time with the Weasleys, Ron all too easily fell asleep on the flight back. His head was tilted towards his dad rather than the window he had been happy to sit next to. Clint read for most of the flight, a book of fairytales for wizarding children in a leather bound book. Beetle Bard it was.
Thankfully, the name wasn't stamped on the outside so he could just wave it off as some classic fairytale if asked.
It was entertaining to say the least to see what counted as fairytales to people who believed but also practiced an ability that a majority of the world didn't believe exist. Because in all fairness, why wouldn't there be a cauldron with a foot when one could have a clock that knows exactly where you are? Wizards were nutty. And stalkerish. He was never telling Fury about that damned clock... Maybe...
Nah. He was sure he'd end up being stuck between Mortal Peril and lost. No use worrying the one eyed leader of SHIELD. And lord only knows what would happen if Tony of all people heard about it. He may not have been too terribly annoying about it, but it was rather clear he wanted to prove that science could do anything magic could do. If it was any indications from some of the questions he had asked Tony about Ron's letters, specifically, the education portion. It was equally maddening and entertaining to hear Tony scoff at some of the things they were learning. Like the light spell.
Not that he thought about it, he felt sorry for Hermione who had left for America one week earlier. Who knew what insanity Tony had tried to drag her and Bruce into?
"I think whoever came up with this book hated a lot of people," Tony casually remarked as he stood near Hermione watching as she began to create the potion for their final exam. A forgetfulness potion. Whoever came up with that either hated everybody, loved pranks a little too much, or got into a lot of trouble. Tony could have used some of this in his childhood easily. Except when his dad did ignore him- Nope, he was not going there today.
"Well, it does seem a bit impractical to create a potion intended to obscure memory, but I assume it is primarily used on muggles who have seen magic."
"Can't wizards just wave a magic wand and Bipidi Bopidi Boo, it's all forgotten?" Tony sarcastically asked.
"Memory charms are actually rather advanced magic. The school doesn't teach them unless we enter an advanced charms class."
"And how do you know this?"
Hermione blushed furiously. "I may have overheard a few of the older Gryffindors complaining about the charm while doing their homework," she admitted.
"Well, it isn't harmful information," Bruce added into the conversation, "I don't want you to make a habit of it, but if you hear something important, I can't fault you for listening."
"If those students cared who heard they would have been more careful about who could hear them."
"Tony," Bruce began with a warning tone, much like an older brother would to their trouble making younger brother. Tony smirked back at teh more timid scientist.
"It's true. So tell me short stack, how exactly does this work? Jarvis, you are recording aren't you?"
"Of course sir."
Bruce let out a silent sigh but joined Tony in watching Hermione create a potion, seeing the simple but precise requirements she had been using for her potion from her book, looking like something anyone could do.
But there was a certain flourish to it that Hermione seemed to have. Not anything terribly noticable, but there was an energy about it that made it seem natural, even as she used some rather bizarre ingredients.
Tony watched with careful eyes as well, paying close attention he didn't give outside of the lab.
He would figure this nonsense out, one way or another.
Clint hated flying. Not for the flying itself. He loved using the Quinjets. But landing and customs was always a pain. It didn't help that he and Ron had been picked for a "pat down" and check from the hidden magical agents at the airport.
Now he was even more paranoid of commercial flight. Since when had magical individuals been working for airports?
"Just a routine check. We swear," the lady sighed, "Any produce?"
"No."
"Any ingredients?"
"What? No."
"Any animals, magical or otherwise?"
"My rat Scabbers," Ron commented as he showed the woman the carrier.
"I see. And they just about rushed you on the plane?" The woman sounded utterly annoyed and exhausted.
"Yes?"
"Mmmhm. Well, this is a pain. He'll have to stay here tonight."
"What?"
"Just for safety reasons kid. We need to give him a potion or two to ensure he isn't carrying a disease that could cause problems to our nation. Do you understand?"
"Yes maam." Ron answered sounding a bit forlorn.
"The potions won't take long. Be glad you're on the magical side of things. It's a real nightmare with nonmagical people and their animals."
"Why do you bother to seperate?" Clint asked with a bit of curiousity and concern. Other than the potions, what were they hiding. The woman tried to smile but it looked more like a grimace.
"Let's just say, most magical individuals travel with equally magical companions. And the last thing we need is for a Nomaj to try and retrieve someone's pet and come face to face with a Bowtrickle or something like that."
"Has that happened before?"
"We've had our moments."
"Okay?"
"You'll take good care of Scabbers right?" Ron interrupted. He may have been raised by a spy, but he was still very much a child worried about his first pet.
"Of course we will. And you'll be able to confirm that when he leaves quarantine tomorrow."
Ron's face bloomed into a large smile.
"Take care Scabbers, we'll be back tomorrow."
With that, Ron and Clint left the room, gathered their luggage, and made their way to their awaiting black chariot. Well, Black car. Clint wasted no time loading Ron's belongings into the vehicle as Ron curiously made his way to the driver's side. The tinted windows rolled down slowly and the brightest grin overtook Ron's face.
"Aunt Tasha!" he called out. His arms and head entering the window and wrapping around the red haired spy. He felt an arm wrap around him as well.
"Good to see you too. Now get in the car so we can get going," she said. Ron practically dove into the car, while Clint took the far more practical approach of just taking the front seat. "Did you enjoy the school."
"It was alright. Nothing like being with here in America," Ron happily replied. It just wasn't the same as being with his family.
A little bit of Hermione and Tony time! Let us get this summer started off right!