The square at Kamar-Taj.
Hermione stood beside the Ancient One, watching Strange a short distance away.
He was waving both hands, trying to draw a Portal.
Unfortunately, nothing appeared except a few scattered sparks. Watching the mages around him succeed one after another, Strange grew so anxious that sweat poured down his face.
Hermione couldn't help rolling her eyes. "What kind of judgment is that?" she grumbled to the Ancient One.
The Ancient One smiled, her tone calm. "He is the best choice. He simply needs some guidance."
Hermione pursed her lips, walked up to Strange, and circled him twice, looking him up and down.
"Hey, tell me. Has the Ancient One 'opened your eyes to the world' yet?"
Strange froze, then instinctively nodded.
Hermione narrowed her eyes and continued, "Then, when you were 'wandering beyond the heavens,' did you see a... well, a particularly sanity-shredding giant face?"
A blurry image flashed through Strange's mind.
That face was enormous, twisted, and terrifying. The mere memory of it made his scalp prickle.
He nodded again.
Hermione smiled in satisfaction. "Good. Remember that face. You'll be seeing each other again soon."
She patted Strange's shoulder, a hint of relish at his misfortune in her voice.
"Good luck, rookie mage."
Strange looked utterly bewildered.
He turned to the Ancient One.
"Is this kid one of yours, too?"
He had been here long enough to meet practically all the other mages, but this was his first time seeing Hermione.
The Ancient One shook her head, her tone calm. "She is not a mage of Kamar-Taj."
"She is our guest. She doesn't visit often."
A guest?
Strange was even more confused.
*A place like Kamar-Taj actually lets guests come and go freely? And from the looks of it, Hermione and the Ancient One are pretty