"Fury, that's a pretty lousy way to treat me."
Hermione stood with her hands on her hips, glaring indignantly at Fury.
"I just helped S.H.I.E.L.D. expose an alien spy who'd been hiding for years. Don't you realize how many potential losses I saved you from?"
"What, now you think you can brush me off with a batch of magical materials?"
Standing nearby, Natasha chimed in.
"Fury, Hermione really did us a huge favor this time. S.H.I.E.L.D. ought to show its appreciation."
"Besides, those magical materials were the payment we'd already promised her."
Fury inwardly groaned.
Hermione's fuss had ruined his carefully arranged body-double plan.
Now he had not only lost his double, but also had to fork over a sizable haul of magical materials.
But to keep the Skrulls' secret, he could only swallow his grievances.
"Miss Wizard, rest assured. S.H.I.E.L.D. never shortchanges anyone who's earned a reward."
Fury forced an awkward smile.
"We'll keep searching for the magical materials we promised you."
"And the next time we need your help, we'll double your payment. How does that sound?"
Only then did Hermione nod in satisfaction.
"That's more like it."
She glanced at Fury, secretly pleased with herself.
"Good to see you know what's good for you."
Fury's mouth twitched.
I'm so mad, but I still have to smile.
Afterward, Natasha led Hermione to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s classified warehouse.
Along the way, Natasha showered Hermione with praise.
"Hermione, you're absolutely amazing."
"If it weren't for you, who knows how much longer that alien would have kept us in the dark?"
Hermione raised her chin proudly.
"Of course. No monster or demon can escape my discerning eye."
Once they reached the classified warehouse, Hermione began her "shopping spree" without a hint of restraint.
She waved her wand, murmuring incantations.
One rare magical material