Strange Potter

The entire assembly looked on absolutely stunned at the sudden appearance. Someone casually coming through the Ministry's ward with magic never seen.

"Who are you? How dare you interrupt these proceedings!" One of the members shouted.

Stephen flicked his finger causing the man's voice to disappear.

He turned to Bagnold. 

"Minister allow me to introduce myself. Dr. Stephen Strange. Sorcerer Supreme." 

Several gasps escaped the audience.

Only a few members of the Ministry knew of the group. Every Minister was made aware when they came into office and certain department heads were also informed but the general knowledge was hidden from most.

But every member of the Wizengamot was aware of the title even if they didn't believe it to exist.

Dumbledore hid his reaction well but was stunned at the development. 

Why would they be involved? Who is the new Supreme? The last one was a woman. 

Dumbledore did not have fond memories of her.

He was one of the few who had interactions with their order. When Grindelwald war was at its peak she had come to him and the exchange left a sour taste for him.

He admits in his youth she wasn’t entirely wrong in her assessment of him but still held a less than ideal stance on them after all these years.

"Dr. Strange I received your message," Bagnold informed.

Dumbledore looked at her. 

What message? Why wasn't I informed about his involvement? What is going on?

"I trust that the matter concerning the Potters and Mr.Black has been resolved." 

"It has been. I thank you for helping bring forth the one responsible for this tragedy and clear an innocent man." 

"My pleasure." Stephen looked at Sirius. "Mr. Black."

"Doctor. Thank you for all your help." 

"You're welcome."Stephen's eyes met Dumbledore's. "Headmaster."

"I'm afraid you have me at a loss. I wasn't aware there was a new Sorcerer Supreme. My previous dealings were with the 'Ancient One' as she was called."

"She passed away some time ago I'm afraid."

"I'm sorry to hear that. She was a remarkable woman." Albus maybe not be fond of her but he did admire her abilities.

"She was a very complicated woman."

"Although I am curious what has transpired to draw the attention of your organization? I believed there was an agreement to allow us to handle our affairs."

"That's not exactly gone very well, has it? The last century alone has seen the rise of two very powerful individuals that have risked your Statute of Secrecy." Stephen told them.

"We do not need your interference. We have the situation well in hand." An older gentleman in the assembly said.

"Well in hand? So every follower of the self-proclaimed dark lord is currently in prison? Or has the damage he inflicted been repaired? How close was he to showing the whole world the truth of your existence?"

"Dr. Strange may ask what has happened to bring you to us?" An older woman with a crow hat asked. "I agree things have been bad but the sudden involvement of your organization is unheard-of. I can't even think of a time the Sorcerer Supreme has been in these halls."

"And you are madam?" 

"Augusta Longbottom." 

"Well, Madam Longbottom. The answer is luck. I was in the London sanctum when Voldemort attacked the Potters." Strange rolled his eyes as everyone flinched. "I detected a massive magical attack and proceeded to investigate. The trail from the wrecked house led me to Mr. Black who informed me of Mr. Pettigrew's betrayal. We then went to Mr. Moody. I believe you know the rest of the tale."

Strange was very careful to keep Harry out of the story for now.

"You still had no right to involve yourself." Another member argued. "We have a separation from your group for a reason. You need to go and allow us to deal with our problems."

"You seem to forget the Statute only existed because of my order. The formation of it is bound with a combination of my magic and yours. We stayed out of your affairs with the agreement but maintained the right to involve ourselves if it was obvious you were incapable of handling your problems. I believe you've proven the latter." 

The whole assembly looked on in horror. Those who knew this understood it was a very real possibility. Others were just now seeing the power the man in front of them had.

"Mr. Strange.." Crouch started.

"Doctor." Stephen narrowed his eyes at him.

"My apologies. Dr. Strange the Statue has been established for centuries. Our magical world was the forebears of its creation."

"It seems history has been forgotten here. My predecessor was the one who helped construct and enact. She was the one who turned all the accounts of your kind into fairy tales and myths. After the formation of the Ministry, she agreed you should govern yourself. However, she did occasionally interfere with your actions but she kept it to a minimum level. I however have been watching and disturbed by what I've seen. Now I feel it's time to get more involved. "

"So you can come in and make demands? And we're supposed to just obey?!"

"I have no desire to come here and behave like a dictator. I just wish to remind you that you do not hold authority over me or my order. We safeguard the world from threats you can not imagine. You have your responsibilities but fail to live up to them.

How many allow a small group to nearly destroy your very way of life? They constantly invaded the none magical world and murdered innocents. While you hide like cowards."

The crowd grew angry at the assessment. 

"Get as angry as you wish. The facts are no one in this room stopped Voldemort."

More gasped at the name.

"Enough! I see how he easily rose to power. You flinch at a mere name. You are supposed to be the ones protecting the civilians that trust you. How many families are near extinct because of your failures? Even your 'Leader of the Light' failed to stop him. No, a mother had to give her life to save her baby. Where were all of you?"

The assembly was a mix of anger and fear. Angry that some random man condemned them but feared his abilities. Some were ashamed at the reminder of what Lily had to do to buy them peace.

Dumbledore took note of his remarks.

How much does he know about Harry?

"Dr. Strange we have been facing a threat that you don't comprehend. The dark lord twisted and destroyed everything in his way. People vanished and others were being forced to commit terrible things to ones they love by his dark magic. We have done the best we could in this horrible time." Crouch cut in.

This doctor was calling all of them cowards and fools and he would not sit by and allow it.

"I comprehend very well. You have one man making you cower from a name. He had a handful of followers and he was close to taking over all of you. He easily wormed his way into these halls with the snakes he placed. It wasn't even difficult for the corruption to happen. He just used what was already here.

Numerous steps could have been taken to slow his progress if not fully stop it. I know you allowed the use of unforgivables by your Aurors but it came too late. The facts are you were not fighting this like a war. None of you understand how a war is won."

"Dr. Strange if there's one thing I am aware of it's war." Dumbledore cut in. "This was no war like you believe. It was a fight of good vs evil and light vs dark. One that requires careful planning against a man who was the very embodiment of darkness. Voldemort used fear and horrors like you never imagined."

He didn't need this young man telling him how to wage war. He had done everything in his power to save as many lives as he could. He was against killing at all but had to make exceptions in some cases. It is why he didn't condemn the Order when they had to use lethal methods.

He hated it and made sure they understood that it was a last resort only. But he was against the Ministry using unforgivables. The Aurors would use those first instead of searching for alternatives. It resulted in many lives lost. People who could have been shown the error of their ways.

"I can since he copied others before him. Rise to power by blaming others for your group's failures. Use bigotry and hate to further your influence. Use fear and costumes to intimidate. It's been seen throughout history for those who don't ignore it. But this is a debate I'll be having with the Minister later. Right now is about a baby and his future."

"It is interesting you mention Lily and Harry. I'm to guess you know of what transpired that night? How did her love save him? How that same love will continue to protect him."

Strange looked over the old man. 

"I'm well aware of the magic Lily provoked to save her son. How she was the 'savior', not Harry."

Dumbledore also knew this but let the Boy Who Lived tale spread. The world needed a living hero, not a dead martyr. Harry would give much-needed hope to their world.

"Then you know protecting the boy is the best way to honor their sacrifice. To keep him safe from the darkness of our world."

"I notice how you completely overlooked Lily being the true hero. Put that aside I believe the welfare of the boy is the responsibility of his guardian, not a headmaster."

"To keep Harry safe is my top concern. James and Lily were dear friends. I wish to ensure their son remains in a safe environment."

"So you abandoned him on a doorstep where anyone could casually take him? I would know because I have." Strange held in a smirk at the old man's face as he reeled back in shock.

"What?!" 

 The watching audience had the same expression. Dumbledore had told many that the boy was safe, but it appeared he either was careless or lied to them.

"It was not difficult. I picked the boy up and took him to my sanctum. His aunt wasn't even aware of him. Why did you not bother to knock as a civilized person would? Why put the baby down like a bottle of milk and leave him unprotected and unguarded?" 

Dumbledore couldn't believe all of this. His plan was crashing down around him and now he had angry members looking at him. 

"I did what I did for the boy's safety. The wards I place there would have ensured it. You interfered and put the young boy in danger by removing him. You must return him there immediately."

"No." 

Dumbledore hid his anger. He was a patient man but this Strange was trying him. 

"I'm afraid I must insist."

"You truly are a spoiled entitled brat aren't you?"

Dumbledore showed his first sign of anger at the man's insult. All around him people began to mutter and whisper. 

"I hardly think insults are fitting for a man of your position."

"How else do you describe someone making demands they are in no position to make? You believe by simply insisting you'll get what you want. You're wrong. Now, are you going to start a tantrum if you still aren't given your way?"

Dumbledore had not been talked down to since he was a child and felt more anger at the man who was treating him like one.

Before he could retort Strange cut him off.

"I will give the boy to his guardian Sirius Black as his parents wanted. I think they knew what was best for their child. I've read the will and nowhere does it say 'unless Albus Dumbledore disagrees'."

"You do not know what you are doing. The wards are the safest place for the boy. None can harm him there. Where did you acquire the will?"

"Yes, I detected what wards you used. Interesting it requires his aunt to take him in. Something she was quite opposed to. I believe her exact words were 'I don’t want your kind in my house. She didn't even ask about him when I told her he was left there. It was obvious she wanted nothing to do with the 'freaks' as she called us."

Several members shouted in anger. How dare a muggle insult them.

Dumbledore shook his head in disappointment. This was why he didn't speak to her in person. To avoid her refusal. By simply taking the boy she would have unknowingly activated the wards. He keyed a phrase to remind her of the dangers if she attempted to cast the boy out but he was certain he wouldn't have to use it.

"As far as the will goes I removed it from your locked drawer in Hogwarts. As impressive those wards are they are not designed to stop my magic." 

Dumbledore was having a small breakdown. Someone had casually entered his castle and he didn't even know of it. Not just Hogwarts. His private chambers. The very thought was frightening to the aged wizard.

"Albus this is irrelevant," Sirius spoke up. "Harry is my responsibility and I forbid him from going anywhere near Petunia or her foul husband." 

Sirius only met her once and was still sour about the experience. Her husband...well Lily never had anything positive to say about him. For someone who was once friends with Snivellus that said a lot.

Dumbledore looked at him with equal disappointment. 

This is why you shouldn't be Harry's guardian. You don't want to listen to the wisdom of the ones who earned their gray hairs.

"Sirius Harry's safety is paramount. Those wards will keep him safe."

"Except his family. His aunt didn't even hesitate to sign Harry over to me. A stranger." Strange informed as he produced the paper. "Thankfully I wasn't one of Voldemort's servants. The boy would be dead."

Dumbledore looked back at him in more shock. 

She did what?! How could she just sign those papers like that? Did she not understand the note I placed?

Bagnold took one look at the paper and frowned at Dumbledore. She turned to Strange as he started speaking again.

"Your safety was, for lack of a better word, pathetic." Stephen looked past the man at Sirius. "Mr. Black I will sign Harry over without contesting. I only took custody as a protective measure."

Sirius nodded and threw a glare at Albus.

"Now that that's settled. We need to discuss the terrorists wreaking havoc. Their coward leader may be defeated but many of his pathetic minions still walk free. What are you planning to do about this Minster?"

The shock was the expression on everyone's face. No one talked about the dark lord like that. Even Dumbledore never called him a coward.

"Dr. Strange you have my assurance that all of You Know Who's servants will be arrested and sentenced." 

Strange narrowed his eyes at the woman. 

"Does that include the three currently sitting in this chamber?"

Gasps were heard from the assembly. Whether insulted that some of them were accused of being Eaters or that there were some among them. 

"That's a bold accusation to make Doctor. Do you have any proof of this?" Crouch asked.

"I can make them come forth. The magic I will use will be very unpleasant but not lethal." 

Strange waved his hands and one of the members rose.

"Avada Kedavra!" 

Everyone moved and ducked as the unforgivable was cast. 

The green spell flew towards Strange but with a simple move a portal opened and the spell went through leaving him unharmed.

Before any Aurors could act the man was wrapped in an orange glowing binding all around him.

"That's one." Stephen looked over the crowd taking note of the two members trying to sneak toward the doors.

Another cast portal opened under them and they fell from the ceiling to the floor in front of his bound as well.

"And that's three." 

"Aurors secure those men!" Bagnold ordered.

"I believe they're secure Minister," Strange said. "And before anyone can claim otherwise they are not under the Imperius Curse."

"How can you know that? There's no way to tell if they are under the influence."

"To you, but for me." Stephen made a circle and waved his hands at the three. "There is no trace of any unforgivable. These individuals acted of their own will."

"And we're just to take your word for it?" Someone shouted.

"I gain nothing by lying to anyone here." Strange remarked. "Besides I believe you have a potion to make them reveal the truth try it."

"There are ways to undermine the effects."

'They've been captured too quickly to have prepared for that. In addition, if you would check their left arm you will find something very interesting."

Crouch grabbed one of the bound men and rolled up his sleeve. 

The assembly gasped at the faded dark mark on his arm.

"The Dark Mark on them?" The Minister asked.

"I believe Voldemort branded his most loyal followers with it. Peter had the same. I recommend checking everyone in the building for anymore."

"Aurors lock down the building. No one leaves until all have been checked. Move this one to a holding cell. Crouch see to it everyone is checked personally. After joining me in my chamber." She ordered. "Dr. Strange are there any others that you can tell?"

Strange made a wide circle out of thin air. Then a whole map of the Ministry was shown. Several bright red spots were seen.

"At least twelve more marked. No one in this room."

Bagnold knew it was likely there were spies but that many. It was worse than she feared.

"Alastor you and a group of Aurors you trust search every room. Leave no one untouched. Use whatever force you deem necessary."

Alastor gave a rare smile at that order. 

"Everyone else floo out and talk to no one about this. If any leaks are given then the people in this room will be top suspects."

Several members looked insulted at the implication but others were now seeing how bad the situation was.

Couch and a small group of Aurors lead sections of the assembly out to floos. Keeping the numbers low to control them better.

Crouch was having a hard time believing how everything had happened. In a few short minutes, they had a visible list of the dark lord's servants practically handed to them.

He was already planning how to use this. The man whose department purged the Ministry of Death Eaters. His run for Minister would be unopposed.

"Well, now that has been taken care of. Minister would you and Mr. Black speak with me in private?" Strange suggested.

"Our discussion about Mr. Potter is not over," Dumbledore spoke.

"Maybe for you, but it is for me and those who have any say in the matter." Stephen waved Dumbledore off.

Bagnold dismissed herself and joined Stephen. Sirius followed after the two. 

Remus was confused and very irritated by how the man spoke of Albus but needed to find out what was going on. He gave Albus a wave of acknowledgment and went after them.

Dumbledore stood there unable to comprehend how he had just been completely ignored. 

What is happening? Calm yourself, Albus. Just take a few moments to collect your thoughts. I need to speak with Sirius as soon as possible. He must understand that Harry needs to be with his blood family. His safety supersedes everything else. 

Unfortunately, this Dr. Strange seems to have an unfavorable opinion of me. Worse Sirius owes him for his freedom which put him in Strange's debt. How to fix this? Everything was so much easier when it appeared that Sirius was guilty.

Dumbledore found himself almost wishing it was the case.

Stephen stopped his walk when realized Remus had followed.

"And you are?"

"Dr. Strange this is Remus Lupin. An old friend of mine and James. He's like an uncle to Harry." Sirius answered for him.

Strange looked at Remus for a moment. "Do you trust him?" He asked Sirius.

"With my life." 

"Do you trust him with Harry's?" 

"Of course."

"I can speak for myself Padfoot. I don't know what's going on but I know you just insulted a great man."

"Great men can be talked down too just as easily as regular men Mr. Lupin. Everything I said was with merit."

"Dumbledore had done great things. He's a hero."

"A personal hero to you I take it? How does that have any bearing on the fact he abandoned a child? A child of your deceased friends."

"I'm sure he had his reasons."

"There is no justification for what he did. If I was one of those who worshiped Voldemort would you still make excuses for him then?! As you looked at Harry's deceased body?"

Strange was overhearing what a great man Dumbledore was. 

Remus wanted to retort but stopped himself. Every fiber in his being told him to defend Albus...but Strange was making a good point. And Albus did try to withhold Harry even after Sirius was given guardianship. 

He had to have his reason... He always knows what's for the best.

"Moony. Albus was wrong here. You know that..Look we'll discuss Dumbledore later okay?" Sirius cut in.

"Mr. Lupid if you wish to join us fine. But if all you're going to do is praise Dumbledore then stay here. The next discussion is about Harry and the Ministry."

Remus shook his head. "Alright."

The group went into the Ministers' private chamber. 

Strange waved his hands over the room.

"There we won't be disturbed. First order of business Minister I have no desire to fight Mr. Black on Harry's guardianship." 

She pulled up the guard papers and after signing a few lines Sirius was given full custody of Harry.

"They're now on to the main concern. Voldemort followers. Judging by your reaction you had no idea how bad his influence was here?"

"It's been discussed. However, I didn't know there were that many."

"Now you will hopefully have many of his most loyal ones in custody soon. What are your plans to deal with them?"

"They will be questioned. You may have just given my administration a major advantage against this corruption."

"Unfortunately my magic can only help with those who are marked. Others will have to be found through regular means. However, make no mistake. Anyone with a mark is a willing follower. The magic-user can only be used on a willing person."

Bagnold made sure to note that. She had no reason to believe Strange would lie about that. She just hoped she could use that in a trial. The testimony from the Sorcerer Supreme would give a lot of credibility.

"Would you be willing to give testimony for that? I will need it for future trials."

"I will. For the matter of unmarked. I suggest a contract. Magical. Written that whoever signs it makes it clear they had no loyalty to Voldermort or aided him in any way. Also, that none would ever give aid to him in the future."

"The future?!"

"Do you want people who would support any of his ideals working here? By adding that you eliminate any future employees from his influence."

"Dr. Strange he's dead."

"Is he? Show me the body. You can't.  Make no mistake Minister. He is gone for now, but unless actions are taken now. The odds of him returning are very real."

Bagnold felt all her years hit her at once. 

"You have time to act. I will be working to undo whatever magic he used. But you have to be an example. True leadership is never easy."

"These contracts would be very difficult to enforce."

"Why? Those who don't sign it don't have to be arrested but simply fired. Think about what you could do with a Ministry free of any of his followers or their bribes that allowed them to flourish."

"That would make hunting down the other followers, like my crazy cousin, easier Minister," Sirius added.

"You're cousin?" Strange asked.

"Completely insane. I'll tell you about her later."

Bagnold considered her options. 

"Minster be mindful with the wording. Only to eliminate those loyal to Voldemort. No blind loyalty to the Ministry or its Minister. No one would or should sign one like that. If anyone attempts to add that as a stipulation I will personally see the contracts destroyed."

"I will call the Unspeakables here to help with the wording and ensure nothing like that is added."

"Another point. This He Who Must Not Be Named and You Know Who must stop. Call him by his name."

"Dr. Strange you don't understand. The horror he inflicted was monstrous. He became an embodiment of fear. His name became too terrifying to even say."

"If you fear a name how has he not already won? I may not agree with Dumbledore on a lot but he is right in this. To fear a name give him more power. You are the Minister. If people see you afraid how can they have hope for this government?"

"I will try Doctor but social conditioning isn't easy to overcome."

Strange nodded in acknowledgment.

"One final thing. You need to stop this spread of Harry defeating Voldemort. He did not. His mother did."

"Yes. Harry doesn't need that kind of fame over his head." Sirius agreed.

"I will try but the story has already spread." She thought for a moment. "I'll have the Prophet do a full story on Lily Potter. Give all credit to her and her sacrifice. I doubt it will stop Boy Who Lived story, however."

"It's better than nothing," Sirius said.

"Now I believe it's time to take my leave. I hope we don't have to meet under similar circumstances in the future Madam Minister."

"Mr. Black Mr. Lupin would you accompany me to my sanctum? Harry is waiting."

Sirius didn't need to be asked twice. The second the portal opened he practically jumped in. 

Remus eyed the circle with hesitation.

"Come on Moony!" Sirius shouted.

With a sigh, Remus followed then Strange. He waved to the Minster and closed the portal.

Bagnold had a headache forming. This reveal of the mark on the arm had her questioning everyone in the Ministry. Strange's suggestion of a magic contract was a good idea. 

Her time as Minister was running short with her age, so any backlash would be irrelevant to her. 

"We'll start with all the Aurors. After the contracts are created." She spoke to herself.

She had a very busy time ahead and was going to be a very unpopular person soon. 

Retirement would be welcome.

Strange, Sirius, and Remus all entered the small room that had been shaped into a temporary nursery.

"You don't have to be quiet. There's a silencing charm on the crib so Harry won't be woken." Stephen reassured.

Sirius moved quickly to the crib and looked over Harry. 

The boy was sound asleep a fresh bandage on his head.

Sirius sighed in relief and relaxes. Harry is safe. I'm free and Peter is in prison. The best news of a terrible few days.

"How is he Padfoot?" Remus came up beside the crib.

"Good. As good as he can be." Sirius looked back at Strange. "What happened to his scar? It wasn't bleeding earlier."

"Yes, that business I spoke of earlier. I had to remove the magic in Harry's scar." 

"What magic?"

"Mr. Black I've come to know of your family's philosophy on dark magic. Did they ever discuss a Horcrux?" 

Sirius went pale that word. Remus looked confused.

"Are you saying...Harry has?"

"Had. As I said I removed it before it could take full hold. It wasn’t pleasant for the boy but he will recover and had no lasting effects. I promise you."

"Wait. What's a Horcrux?" Remus asked.

"The only thing my grandfather banned from discussing," Sirius answered. "A foul magic. I heard my mother mention them once and my grandfather vowed to cast her out if she mention them again. So naturally, I was intrigued. I found a book in the library and...it's disgusting Remus."

"Quite. There's very little magic I would classify as evil Mr. Lupin but this falls into that category." 

Stephen conjured three chairs and a large bottle of whiskey. Two filled with the liquor Stranges with the tea he comes to enjoy.

"A Horcrux is a vain moronic attempt to cheat death. It requires the caster to split their soul into an object. Usually a trinket or something. The caster falsely believes he will live forever as long as they remain. That's not how it works. The soul eventually consumes the item and both are destroyed in the aftermath." 

"What? that wasn't in the book." 

"Think about it, Mr. Black. If these containers could cheat death. Why are we not surrounded by ancient Egyptian wizards? It may take decades or maybe a century but all eventually suffer destruction."

Strange took a sip of his drink.

"The night Voldermort attacked the Potters Lily's protection destroyed his body and spliced his already damaged soul. The piece latched on to the only living person in the room. Young Mr. Potter."

"He made these things and turned Harry into one?!" Remus shouted. 

"Not on purpose. Lily's act protected her son and caused the split. He's completely free of the fragment now. However, in the extraction, we discovered he has five more hidden around the country."

"Five!!!!" Sirius went even whiter at the information.

"The man truly is a coward. He fears death more than anything." Strange smirked. "If he knew what eternal life was he wouldn't be desperate for it."

"So he can't be gone....all of his anchors need to be destroyed." 

"Yes. They would naturally destroy themselves in time but we don't have centuries to wait."

"We need to tell Dumbledore." Remus declared.

"I believe he already is aware. Or at least suspects it."

"What makes you say that?"

"I replayed the event of Dumbledore leaving Harry on the doorstep. He mentioned the scar quite strangely. I believe he was aware of what was there and chose to do nothing about it."

"He wouldn't. He couldn't." Remus argued.

"To him, he might believe he had no choice. Someone who thinks they have all the answers rarely looks to others." Strange stopped himself and cast a few spells over the two.

"What was that?" Remus went for his wand.

"Mr. Lupin I just told you some very dangerous information. That was just a protective measure. Neither of you will be able to discuss this outside my sanctum. Or will you be able to tell anything to Dumbledore?"

"He needs to know!"

"I will talk with him. In time." Strange promised.

That was one talk he was looking forward to. 

"But there is something I want to discuss. I wish to mentor Mr. Potter."

"You want Harry to become a sorcerer like you?" Sirius asked.

"Unfortunately that's not possible. My magic doesn't work with yours. Yours comes from a natural-born ability. Mine comes from out. They're some instances where one of yours was able to perform very small amounts of ours, but it was very impractical and dangerous."

"So why mentor him?"

"I want the boy to be prepared. Voldemort is still out there. Even if he's not fully formed. It's difficult to guess how long the search for his anchors will take. There's a chance he could return before they're destroyed so it's best if Harry received as much information and training as he can. Make no mistake this 'dark lord' will see Harry as a challenge to his power. Killing the boy will be his top priority."

Sirius contemplated this. If there are more of those things, like Strange says, then he is still out there. Harry needs to be protected.

"Harry has to be safe." 

"He will be. I'll assist in setting up any wards I can when you acquire a place. With some alterations, it will be far safer than any wards Dumbledore can produce. You'll need to be cautious as well."

"I can handle myself."

"Yes by running off and almost getting arrested." Strange sighed. "Mr. Black your godson is going to have a very unusual childhood, but it's the best option to ensure he has an adulthood."

"Okay. What do I have to do?"

"The most difficult thing there is. Be a parent."

Dumbledore sat in his office completely lost at the turn of events. His plan for Harry was truly gone.

The boy was protected by powers beyond him. He had lost the chosen child to a warlock that didn't respect him.

Now Sirius has turned against me as well. 

What the aged wizard couldn't understand was why. Why did this happen? Everything was going perfectly. Harry was safe. 

Now the boy will grow up under Sirius's influence. The boy's head will be unbearable. He needs to be humble and willing to listen to those that understand what's best. How could his aunt sign him away like that?

With so much happening Albus was doing everything to think of a way to salvage the mess now created. 

Why did Sirius and Alastor not come to me? I could have guided them on the correct course of action. Sirius could have been made to see reason and understand what's best. Once Harry was old enough to attend Hogwarts there could have been visitation scheduled. In a controlled environment. Sirius needs constant monitoring to avoid his influence on Harry. 

Now, what to do? Perhaps I should give it some time. Time for Sirius to cool his temper and allow him to listen.

Yes, a few days and I'll send a note to meet on neutral ground. There I'll explain why he needs to surrender Harry to his aunt.

First I must go to her and stress the danger she would place herself and her family by not allowing Harry to live there. A new mother would do anything to protect her son. Even house her sister's child. I'm sure with time she'll grow to see Harry as another son. She just has to work past her hatred. Even if not...safety is more important than happiness.

"I can see your head spinning Headmaster." The sorting hat interrupted his thoughts. "Things not going the way you plan?"

"A slight setback. I'll have everything under control in a few days. Do not worry yourself."

"I'm not. It's you should be worried. The sorcerer is not to be underestimated. He is no threat to anyone. Unless they are a danger to him or the duty he upholds. Why not work with him?"

"He's a young man with no understanding of what's at stake. He throws insults and endangered the life of a child." 

"A child you abandoned. Seems he saved the boy and honored his parents."

"Harry was safe there. No, I have much to do to fix this mess this Doctor has caused me."

"Don't fight him, Albus. It's a fight you will not win."

"The fate of our world and millions is on my shoulders. I must ensure the future." Albus dismissed.

"Heed my warning Albus. You do not know all sometimes things happen for a reason. This doctor is in the right place at the right time seems very similar to another chance encounter doesn't it?"

Albus ignored the comparison. Destiny had chosen him to hear the prophesy and to guide the child. Dr. Strange was someone who should have stayed concerned with his affairs.