New York, New Stories
Chapter 3: New York, New Beginnings:
Hogwarts, Scotland, 2001
After cleaning the Dursely’s home and erasing the Dark Mark from the skies of Surrey, McGonagall and Dumbledore apparated to the gates of Hogwarts, in order to warn Poppy of Harry and Dudley’s arrival. Sirius and Hagrid, on the other hand, rode the bike, with Hagrid carrying the babies in his never-ending coat. Sirius turned on his bike at full strength, and they arrived at Hogwarts an hour later.
Sirius and Hagrid had taken the bike for two main reasons: Dudley, for all his being a baby, was still a muggle and couldn’t see Hogwarts yet, and Hagrid being so big made it a risk for Sirius to side-along apparate.
When they reached the Entrance Hall, Poppy was already there to levitate both babies to the Hospital Wing. There, the matron began to cast more intricate diagnostic spells on Harry and Dudley, grinding to a halt when Harry’s results came in.
“ALBUS!” Can you explain to me why my dark energy detection spell keeps exploding when it comes in contact with baby Harry?!” screamed the nurse. The spell she was using was a very basic one, and she was only using it because of the fact that He-who-must-not-be-named had been in the same room with the baby.
“Whatever do you mean Poppy? Harry was supposed to be protected by Lily… Let me check with some advanced magic” Albus stepped forward to baby Harry’s crib.
“ Revelio Tenebris” Albus cast a spell commonly used by 1st year Cursebreakers, specially on their first forays in the field. When his wand lit up in the darkest shade of red, he began to worry. He decided to up his game.
“Revelio Tenebris Maxima!” This variation of the spell was more specific in its analysis. From white to black, it explained how dark was the object at hand. When the wand light up the darkest black, his worry multiplied tenfold.
“Dear Poppy, I do not know exactly, but do not worry for I will investigate. For know, I will inform Harry’s new guardian of his need to have regular check-ups. If you do not mind, I will offer your services.” Albus hoped he could find out soon what was ailing Harry, and by keeping Poppy as Harry’s main healer, he could get reports on his health in a recurring basis.
“Yes, I think so, Albus. Given that the check-ups are conducted in his new home. That way I can quickly evaluate if the environment is safe.” Poppy had encountered many cases, specially in Slytherins and muggle-borns with extremist religious backgrounds. If she could see the home, she would ensure that no harm would fall on Harry without her knowing.
“I believe that his prospective guardian will be agreeable, or at any case will be made agreeable” Albus had no worry about Stark’s agreement, for he was sure that with his fascination with new technologies, he would take to magic splendidly.
“Well, now that they are resting, I think Sirius and I should head to New York City to deal with the babies prospective guardian” Albus waved at Sirius, indicating the exit of the Hospital Wing.
“Farewell until now Albus, Sirius. We will take care of the babies, don’t you worry” Poppy and Minerva decided to each take care of a baby, switching every 12 hours until Albus and Sirius came to pick them up. When Minerva had class, Hagrid would come to take care of Harry.
Sirius and Albus began the trek to Hogwarts’s gates, in order to be able to apparate to the International Floo Terminal.
“So, Albus, what do you know about Tony Stark? Last I heard about him, he was the son of Howard Stark, international seller of weaponry, especially to the United States Government. He also was involved in the creation of Captain America, wasn’t he?"Sirius asked because he knew Albus worked closely with special units of the muggle military units during the Second Muggle World War.
“Yes, you are correct in all of your questions. I did encounter Captain Rogers on some occasion. He targeted Hydra, Nazi Germany’s division concerning advanced science and the supernatural. There was one or two times where they struck one of Griendelwald’s bases all over Europe. When they clashed, I among others were summoned in order to Obliviate and give magical support to the Allied troops. When we tried to Obliviate Captain Rogers memory, the Serum entered in contact with the spell and acted as Occlumency barriers, blocking its effect. By third attempt, we decided to waive the Statute of Secrecy where Captain Rogers was concerned.” Albus had always admired Steve’s morals and bravery. How he acted and lived his life was worthy of his respect, and that of Gryffindor, for he embodied the House’s values to the maximum degree.
“It is a pity that he went missing before the end of the war… Though I still hope he is found” Sirius had always admired Captain America, ever since Lily mentioned him in conversation. He had looked him up and became obsessed with his stories. How he had stormed several Hydra bases in order to find his “Howling Commandos”. And the most sad, when he sacrificed himself in order to prevent a missile hitting the United States.
“Yes, it was quite sad. I remember the muggle-born population becoming quite depressed when news broke out. It was as if all their hope was lost…” Albus remembered the faces of the students, specially the Gryffindors, for their latest idol was lost.
“But yes, going back to the topic, Howard Stark was friends with Captain America. In fact, he was the one to create and provide Rogers with his characteristic round shield” said Albus.
“After the war, Howard founded S.H.I.E.L.D with Rogers ex-girlfriend, Peggy Carter. Last thing I knew was that he died in an accident” Albus had only known as much as he did due to the fact that muggle-borns roamed the castle, and a lot of them were very talkative.
“That’s where I pick up the lead. Lily explained that she had an American cousin from her aunt that used to come every summer to Cokeworth every summer since his parents died in a car accident. That cousin, who we later found out to be Tony Stark, came every summer until the summer after 7th year. After that, Tony took control of Stark Industries and could not come anymore. Lily was planning to visit after the war, to introduce him to Harry.” Sirius hoped that, if Lily could see, she would be happy to know Harry would grow up with Tony.
“Well, we better leave” Albus popped away, followed by Sirius.
International Floo Terminal, British Ministry of Magic, 2001
When Sirius got to the Terminal, Aurors appeared out of nowhere pointing their wands at him.
“What is going on? Albus, a little help?!” Sirius was shocked to see the wands pointed at him, understanding that they thought he was the Secret-Keeper.
“Aurors, stand down, he can be trusted!” Albus stepped forward in front of Sirius, lowering the nearest Auror’s wand with his own.
“Coming through! Coming through!” screamed a new voice in the crowd.
“BLACK! You really are a madman aren’t you? Did you think we would let you escape from Britain?! You cost this society two marvellous people, and you shall pay for your crimes!” Bartemius Crouch Senior, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, shouted. If there was one thing Barty Sr. hated was Dark Magic, and the families who defended it and embody it. The Black Family, by its actions and reputation, was the epitome of Dark.
“Barty, I am afraid that you are wrong in this matter. I can give you my full assurance that Sirius was not the Secret-Keeper to the Potters. It was Peter Pettigrew. Sirius was used as a decoy in order to hide the truth from Voldemort.” Albus hoped that with his word, the whole matter would be dismissed.
“I am sorry Albus, but it will take a little bit more in order to convince me that Sirius Black, Lord of the House of Black, is not a Death Eater.” Barty was determined to see Sirius in Azkaban, one way or another.
“Fine Barty, have it your way. Aurors, who here has Veritaserum?” one Auror stepped forward carrying the tiny bottle with the potion. Three drops afterwards, and Sirius had glassy eyes.
“Who are you?” Barty began his interrogation.
“Lord Sirius Orion Black, Lord of the House of Black”
“You were a Slytherin, weren’t you?”
“No, I was a Gryffindor”
“Well, the potion has taken effect Barty.”
“So it seems, well then, let us begin the proper interrogation.”
“Are you a Death Eater?”
“No.”
“Did you reveal the Potter’s location to You-Know-Who?”
“No, for I was not the Secret-Keeper.”
“There you have it Barty. Sirius is not a Death Eater, nor who he reveal the location.” said Albus, content to have cleared the air.
“Let me ask one last question, Albus.”
“Do you know who the Secret-Keeper was?”
“Yes, it was Peter Pettigrew.”
“That is quite enough Crouch.” Albus hoped this would have the DMLE back off. Signalling the Auror who brought the Veritaserum for the antidote, he administered it to Sirius.
“Well gentlemen, if you don’t mind, we really need to get on our way.”
Heading to one of the big fireplaces, Albus and Sirius reached for the powder and flooed to New York International Floo Terminal.
New York City, 2001
They exited the Terminal to find half the city in ruins, some flying beings destroying the buildings, a Captain America lookalike with a shield, amongst other things… But most importantly, they saw their desired guardian for Harry and Dudley flying with a missile on his back towards the portal in the sky.
“Albus, do you think maybe a Legilimens is playing a trick on us? Or maybe MACUSA is upping their security even more?” Sirius was amazed at what he was seeing, and he very much hoped that this was his mind playing tricks.
“No Sirius, I’m afraid that this is current New York City. Let’s hope it ends well.”
At that, Tony began to fall from the portal, directly to the ground.
“Albus! We need to do something! He is going to die if we do not break his fall!” Sirius already saw himself having to pry Tony from the ground.
“You are right Sirius, let us intervene.” Albus drew his wand, and alongside Sirius they cast
“Arresto Momentum Maxima!” At that, Tony’s body slowed down and touched the ground like a feather.
“Albus, we better hide. See there, it’s the Captain America look-alike running to Tony. If they see us, we would need to do a lot of explaining in order to leave.”
“Yes, you are right Sirius. And, by the way, that is no look-alike. I can not believe I am saying this, but that is Steve Rogers, Captain America. He does not look a day older than the last time I saw him.” Albus was surprised, even the Philosopher Stone created by his friend Nicholas could not stop the body’s ageing. They could live longer, yes, but they still looked their age. Instead Steve Rogers looked like he was, 70 years later.
“Well, this bodes for an interesting next weeks, months and even years in the long run!” Sirius’s fanboy persona was coming back, and he was excited at the prospect of his godson knowing Captain America!
“Yes, I believe I agree with you Sirius… interesting at least.”