Strange Potter

Remus was smiling as Harry slept peacefully in his bed. But the back of his mind had a dark thought.

Moons getting close. Can't be around him then. 

He heard the sound of talking pull him out of his head.

He followed the voice to the study and found Sirius and Strange in a discussion.

"Moony. Come in and take a seat. You're not going to believe the day we had at the bank." Sirius poured himself a drink.

"Yes. Sirius mentioned what you suspected. Did you have any luck?"

"Luck! Strange destroyed a Horcrux like he was swiping a fly! It was brilliant!"

"So she did have one." Remus sat. "That's two. Right? Four more."

"Yes. Unfortunately, I haven't the slightest idea where, to begin with, them. To be honest we got lucky in the vault." Strange took a sip of the Firewhiskey. "Strong stuff but not bad."

"What about what you learned from Dumbledore? Any clues in there?" Sirius asked as he sipped his drink.

"Only Voldemorts origins. His real name and family. I will begin looking into that tomorrow."

"Wait his real name?" Remus asked.

"Tom Riddle Jr." Strange then informed them of everything Dumbledore gave him. It wasn't much but it was more than he thought the old man would.

"Why didn't Dumbledore tell everyone that he was using a fake name?"

"It wouldn't have changed anything," Sirius said. "A real or fake name he was powerful and drew people in. They wouldn't have cared what he called himself."

"Can't disagree with that," Remus mumbled.

"The mother's last name, Gaunt, is an odd one."

"Gaunt?" Sirius interrupted. "Why does that name sound familiar?"

"You've heard of it?" Strange asked.

"It's vague. I can't remember where...wait the library! Black library in my old 'home'. I'm certain I read that name in there once."

"Are you willing to take me to this library? If it holds anything of use in the search..."

"I'd rather not. Nothing personal but I hate that house."

"Sirius." Remus chimed in. "You can go there. It could help stop HIM. I think that is a good enough reason to go back."

Sirius sighed. "Fine. Maybe I can burn it to the ground after." 

"It's your house now. Do what you want." Remus shrugged.

"Alright, Strange we'll go this weekend if you're free. I have a date tomorrow night and I don't want to have the stink of that place on me when I do."

"Fair enough." Strange agreed. " I learned something at the Ministry. I know now why Riddle targeted your friends."

"You mean why they went into hiding. I've been trying to understand that as well. Dumbledore never specified why just that they were in his sights." Remus said.

"It appears that Riddle somehow discovered a prophesy that he believes involved him and a chosen child. Born a the end of a certain month."

"A prophesy?!" Sirius and Remus both looked horrified. 

"It could not have anything to do with Harry. The whole room was full of them. How many were made centuries ago but haven't come to pass?" Strange argued.

"There's a room full of prophecies?" Remus asked in amazement. Divination was not one of his classes. He never really thought about any of it outside of school. But some of the books did help with the Map.

"Deep in the Ministry." Strange opened a portal and the orb fell into his hand. "This is the one Riddle is convinced is his."

"Wait. They just let you take it?" Sirius asked.

"You ever hear the expression 'better to ask forgiveness than permission? They think I put it back. What I gave them was a fake. With a nasty surprise if Tom ever goes to retrieve it. That's after I put some 'real' protection on the area. I sure Croaker is going mad trying to get it now." Strange chuckled to himself.

"Well. What does it say?"

"Vague nonsense about a dark lord, no name, a power he won't have, and one having to kill the other. Like I said vaguely."

"You don't believe in prophecies do you," Sirius said.

"I believe in not putting the weight of the world on a child's shoulders because it's easier than doing it yourself." Strange picked up the orb. "All this is. Is a way for those who have a responsibility to pass it to someone else."

"It does explain why he seemed to become obsessed with finding James and Lily or the Longbottoms. We were losing the war but in the end, he wasn't as focused on winning. Just them."

"Are you going to tell us the whole thing or not?" Remus asked slightly annoyed.

"It won't change anything but here." Strange wrote down the words and handed them the paper. "Remember it but don't spread it around. These things can become self-fulfilling if enough people believe in them."

Strange was already making the connection with that night. The scar and Dumbledore ignoring the Horcrux. He had an idea of what the man was planning and if he was right. Then Dumbledore would get much more than a lecture when they talked again.

"Mark as an equal." Sirius went white. "The scar. It fits Harry. Neither can live...so Harry has to kill him."

"Only if you take those words at face value. Let's say this is indeed about Harry, which I have my doubts about, there are countless ways he could vanquish Riddle without ever fighting him. Say he asked Wanda to finish him. Technically, because he gave the word, it would be by his hand. Or if he became Minister and signed the paper to send Riddle to be executed. Again by his hand."

"I wouldn't let these words decide anything. Know them, sure, but don't try to map out his life over them. A prophecy only has as much power as someone gives it."

"If Riddle knew about this. Why did he attack? Seems by doing that he set it up to happen?" Sirius realized.

"Arrogance?" Strange shrugged. "He may have believed he could destroy his 'equal' before he became a threat."

"But how did he hear of it?" Remus felt uncomfortable.

"That is the big question. Dumbledore was the one to witness it. It's why he is so focused on getting control over Harry."

"But...Dumbledore would never let this get out! He wouldn't endanger them like that!" Remus argued.

"I agree." Stephen saw the stunned look on Remus's face. "What? I don't like the man but that doesn't mean I see him as a monster who would sentence a family to die to defeat Riddle."

"But then how did he hear it?" Sirius spoke. "If Dumbledore was the witness then he has to know how it got back to Voldemort."

"That he will never tell. While I don't believe he set up your friends. He is hiding that information. Perhaps he wasn't as paranoid as he should have been. Or when it was told someone overheard it? Either way, he didn't wish to share it with me."

"Another thing I have to talk to him about!" Sirius growled. If this did involve Harry then he had a right to know! He was responsible for Harry, not Albus. Dumbledore doesn't get to make these decisions!

"It would be better to keep this information to ourselves." Strange argued.

"Why?"

"Dumbledore believes something about that night is the power mentioned. Whether he admits it or not he believes in this just like Riddle. He will most likely try to Obliviate your memory if he suspects you know."

"You can't stop him?"

"I prefer keeping him under control. Think about it. He believes in one way of doing things. His. If we let him continue to believe that then we can work around him. He doesn't know we know about the Horcrux or that I have the prophecy. He's a chest player that thinks he's ten moves ahead. I want him to continue to believe that."

"I don't like it," Remus growled.

"I'm aware."

"I agree with Strange," Sirius said. "Look he's keeping things from us. Why shouldn't we keep things from him?"

"That's petty Padfoot."

"Maybe." Sirius shrugged. "I won't tell Dumbledore anything unless he is honest with me. I need to go have a chat with him soon. Is he willing to tell me the truth then I'll give him the same courtesy?"

Remus nodded. He could agree to that.

"Something else. I didn't tell you because I was hoping to have more answers first. Lily was given a chance to live. He tried to spare her."

"He offered to spare Lily?! Why?"

"No idea. Dumbledore knows or at least has a theory but he refused to share it with me. Whatever it is he seems to believe that it was a factor in Harry's survival. Her willingness to die in his place protected him. I think he believes that is the power spoken of. The love she had for him." 

"Technically you fit into this as well," Remus said. "This power. What you did to save Harry gave him a power the dark lord doesn't have."

"Remus." Strange sighed. "There are a million ways someone could make this prophesy fit Harry. To allow a little vague word to dictate the future is incredibly arrogant."

"So let's sum this up," Sirius said. "We know a prophecy was somehow heard but Voldemort and he started looking for a child that fit the description. Dumbledore knew this as well and made efforts to protect two he believes fit it. He won't share his thoughts on the subject and believes he is the only one who understands the contents."

"That is an accurate summary."

"Sweet Merlin." Sirius finished his drink and poured another. "Why can't he understand that if he just told us everything would be simpler?"

"Because you might disagree." Strange reasoned. "Can either of you tell me a time during the war where Dumbledore allowed anyone to alter his mind? Or did he simply say how it needed to be and everyone followed?"

Remus wanted to argue but for the life of him, he couldn't think of anything. As he thought of all the meetings that were indeed a common occurrence. Even when someone voiced an opposing view Albus was always able to get them to agree to his point and follow his plan.

Sirius was having the same realization. Lily did voice her opinion loudly but she too always came around to Dumbledore's way of thinking. Was he so certain of his goal that he never bothered listening to anyone else's? Sure he seemed to listen but always got his way in the end.

"Dumbledore has the potential to be a great leader but leaders listen and change their strategy when they have to. Dumbledore doesn't. If he can only see one way then there is no other. Like it or not the man is very close-minded to anything that doesn't fit his view."

"That's!!..." Remus stopped. He didn't want to admit it but Dumbledore's behavior did match that. The way he refused to give up Harry to Sirius. "Maybe he is stuck in his ways but he is a genius. He has to have given this prophesy his complete attention."

"Moony believes his way of interpretation is right. Look how he is obsessed with Harry. He wants to control him to be able to lead him in the direction he thinks he has to go." Sirius said. "I won't let him! Harry will have a life free of Dumbledore's manipulation if I have to keep him here I will. If he doesn't agree to stay out of Harry's life then he will NOT go to Hogwarts."

"Good ultimatum." Strange agreed. "That should keep Dumbledore out of the way for the next ten years. Gives us time to keep the search going for the anchors."

"And the prophesy? Are we just going to ignore it? Will...will you tell Harry it?" Remus looked at Sirius.

"Should I? I mean even if it's really for him that is a lot of pressure to put on him."

"Tell him when he's older," Strange said. "I would like to be there for it. Stress that it doesn't have to be him. But that Riddle believes it is. Better to understand why than to keep him in the dark."

"Okay. Now what?"

"I don't know about you but I'm exhausted." Strange stood. "You might want to get some sleep for your big date tomorrow. " Stephen got up and left the room.

"Did we get any Sleeping Draught potions when we went shopping?"

"You didn't but I thought we might need some so I grabbed a few," Remus answered.

"You're a bloody lifesaver." Sirius groaned as he got up. "Oh, Moony if only you were a woman I'd marry you." He joked.

"I think my standards would be higher." Remus joked back.

"No need to be nasty," Sirius replied as he went to the cabinet stocked with potions.

"Get two."

"Already ahead of you."

"Minister! We can't have that man making a mockery of us!" Croaker shouted. 

"We have no choice!" Bagnold slammed her hand on the desk. "Do you realize he can completely remove all the spells that separate our world! The power he holds is absolute. We will work with him whether you like it or not!"

"He did something to the orb! I tried to replicate his way of retrieving it,  but the thing is struck there. No spells can move it!"

"So you don't know what it says?"

"He blocked all sound from it." Croaker hissed.

"So only he and Dumbledore know the full details?" Bagnold thought on this. "Tell no one what he did there. Not even Albus."

"So we're just going to bend a knee to him?"

"Yes. I'd rather him be an ally than an enemy."

"So we trade one dictator for another."

"One who has cleaned up our mess! You had two of your own that were Death Eaters!! We were losing because of the problems we didn't want to address. Lily bought us time and Strange gave us a new start. We will not waste it."

"Many of the things your doing will not be popular."

"So be it. I will do everything in my power to make sure we don't let our Ministry become as infested as it was."

"You'll lose a lot of these contracts remain enforced."

"The contract is for as long as they work here. Even my successor won't be able to remove them. No one who wishes to work here will support...Vol...Voldemorts goals. They can work somewhere else!"

"I don't like how this is going."

"Many don't." She sighed. "My time as Minster will end giving the best chance for the future."

"Whose? Ours or his?"

"Hopefully both." She did hope. But she came to understand that Strange wasn't going to be leaving their world any time soon.

Sirius came out of the closet. "How do I look?"

"Fine Padfoot." This was the fifth outfit he tried on and frankly, Remus was over it.

"Really?" Strange asked as he stepped in. "If the date was taking place a hundred years ago I would agree. Now in days that outfit will draw attention. Not the correct way."

"That bad?"

"Like I said. Out of date. Here." Strange waved his hands and a new, up-to-date suit was on Sirius. "Much better."

"It's a little tight." Sirius pulled at the collar.

"You will be fine," Stephen said. "Some advice? Be very careful with your hands around Natasha. If you want to keep them that is."

"What? I'm not some animal." Sirius glared at him.

"You do have a past Padfoot." Remus reminded him. "Remember Madison?" 

"I can change." He didn't like the look Remus gave him and didn't want to bring up that encounter ever again. "I think I've changed quite a bit lately."

"True. But deep down inside is the same old marauder."

"Even as responsible as you claim you are Moony. So are you." Sirius remarked then looked at Strange. "Any wild dates for you tonight?"

"Only with my laptop." He was hoping to dig up something on Riddle Senior. 

"Another muggle device?" He looked at Remus for the answer.

"When we have some more free time we're going to go over a lot. You need to be brought up in the modern world." Strange sighed. 

"Yes it's is and I'll explain after you get back," Remus answered. If he started explaining all muggle devices to Sirius they would be at it all night.

"Are you and Wanda going to be alright watching Harry? I know the full moon is coming up."

"I know...We'll be fine. She's not the worst company. It is nice to have a more adult conversation sometimes."

"Hey, we talk about plenty of things that aren't childish."

"But we always end up back at remembering pranks."

Sirius grinned at that. "Oh, the good old days."

Remus shook his head. "Go on. You don't want to be late."

"Pafoo! Pay!!" Harry said as he saw Sirius walk into the living room.

Wanda was sitting on the couch watching him.

"Would love to pup, but Padfoot has a very important date to get to." Sirius knelt towards him.

"Pay!!" Harry said again.

Sirius couldn't say no. Soon the huge dog was down and Harry was pulling the fur as he rode him around the room.

Wanda raised her eyebrows at the transformation. That was a very interesting form of magic. 

"Can all of you do that? She asked Remus.

"Technically. But it is a very difficult form to master. It takes a lot of work and practice. Many don't even bother."

After a few minutes Padfoot bucked Harry up in the air and Sirius caught him as he came down. Harry laughed the whole time.

"Alright, pup I have to go. You be good for Uncle Remus and...Aunt Wanda alright?"

Harry didn't want to stop playing but didn't put up a fuss when Remus took him.

"Ready Sirius?" Stephen asked. He was going to give him a portal to the area.

"Yeah." Sirius looked back at the boy. "Mirror me if something happens." He told Remus.

"Mirror?" Wanda looked puzzled.

"This." Remus pulled out his mirror. "It's like a phone but just between them."

"You really should look into getting a cellphone." Strange suggested.

"I like this better." Sirius held out his mirror. He was quite proud of them after all.

Strange opened up two portals. One for him And one for Sirius. "Will you need one back?"

"No thanks. I have a port key for that."

"How you use such uncomfortable things is beyond me."

"Not all of us can do that!" Sirius argued as he pointed at the circles.

They waved bye to the others and entered.

Sirius was pleasantly surprised by the choice of places Strange had recommended. Since he didn't know the area or a good place to take a date around the trusted Stephen to give him a lead.

And what a lead! The rooftop lounge gave an amazing view of New York. 

For someone who never really considered leaving his home country, he was coming around to the States. 

But all the sights paled when Natasha walked out.

He thought she was stunning before! The dress was something no one back home would be caught in. It was black and slit up the side. Her amazing legs were showing. His top was low. Very low...for a second he was sure he forgot how to talk.

"Dog got your tongue." She asked.

"....What? Sorry. It's just I've never been so glad to be wrong."

"About?"

"When I first saw you I didn't think you could be any more beautiful. I was very mistaken."

Natasha gave a genuine smile. "Not bad. That may be one of the top 10 lines every tried on me."

"I didn't even make the top 5? Alright, give me a moment." Sirius racked his brain for another.

"You are a charmer." She motioned to the table.

Sirius rushed to her chair and pulled it out for her. An old but classic display.

"Are we the only ones here?" Sirius took his seat.

"I made a call. Don't worry about breaking your Statute. It's just you, me, and the waiter."

"One call and you can have an entire place like this to yourself? You are a force to be sure."

"I'll take that as a compliment." She gave him a smile that she knew would have the right effect on him.

It did.

Remus was helping Harry walk down the hall. The boy was doing fine but Remus was keeping a close eye.

He had about a week before the moon and wanted to be around Harry more before he had to hide.

Strange said he had a place for him to be safe. Well to be safely away from others. 

After that night he was broken. Losing James and Lily and thinking his best friend betrayed them. Then everything was turned upside down.

Sirius was cleared and Strange brought Harry to them. The Horcrux, prophesy, and Harry's new powers...

Before he would have stayed away from the boy out of fear. Now he knew he couldn't do that. Sirius needed him and frankly, he needed them. His family.

He was still afraid but the other occupant in the house had him both on edge and relieved. Edge because of her incredible power and relieved because she could easily stop him should the wolf take over.

"Very good Harry." Wanda smiled as he reached her.

Harry clapped and began floating up towards her. His body glowing red.

Wanda took him in her arms and he stopped as he laughed. 

"That is still frightening." Remus was a little pale.

"It's tied to his emotions. Be grateful he is happy right now. Fear and anger are the ones you need to watch." 

"Thanks for that. I already have enough trouble sleeping at night." He groaned.

Wanda smirked and carried Harry back into the living room. She had noticed the lack of television. Not for long. 

Remus watched wide-eyed as a large television was suddenly formed out of nothing. It was a transfiguration he had never seen.

Wanda smiled as one of her old favorite shows was playing. She saw Remus standing awkwardly. She could tell he was uncomfortable with her power.

"Come sit. This is one of my favorites." She patted next to her.

Remus did. But slowly. "I've never seen magic like that. I was just starting to get used to Strange too."

"This is my magic." The bounce on her leg reminded her of the boy. "Sorry, ours." She gave him a grin.

Harry returned it and slipped off her lap before laying on Remus's.

Remus ran his hand through the raven locks. Despite everything, he was feeling somewhat at peace. 

"You watch a lot of television?"

"Yes. It's how I learned English."

"I don't get to see much of it in my world. But you should see one of the plays."

"Plays?"

"It's like this, but live performance. With magic. James took Lily to one and she loved it."

"Have you been?"

"Not something a single man goes to. And I never really had a female companion to take." 

"Because of your other side?" Wanda didn't need to read his mind to understand the problem.

Remus looked down. "It's not easy getting close to people when you can lose all control. I've had this curse since I was ten."

"I understand. I've had this all my life." Her hands glowed red.

"It doesn't frighten you? Having that much power?"

"Of course it does. Fear is something you should have, but not let it dictate your life."

"Fear is prevalent back home. Werewolves are barely considered people. We're mad dogs that are a danger to everyone." He sighed.

"You can't control others' fears. Only your own." Wanda put her hand on his. "You don't have to let it control you."

Remus looked at her and gave her a small smile before awkwardly pulling back.

They both felt slightly uncomfortable but not in a bad way.

Wanda looked down and saw their other occupant had fallen asleep. She motioned down and the two smiled at the sight.

Remus didn't even care that his trousers were covered in sleep spit.

"So there's James. Standing straight, so proud of his transformation. But he didn't realize he forgot to have his clothes change back with him. So he's standing full starkers!"

Natasha laughed. "You're best friend was just standing naked?"

Sirius laughed too. "Not just that his bottom half hadn’t fully transformed back. So I'm looking at a half man half stag with a look of pure confidence on his face. I laughed until I was crying."

The two shared a long laugh. 

Natasha was pleasantly surprised by how this was going. Sirius was being a gentleman and making her laugh. Not an easy feat.

Sirius calmed himself down. As he thought about it. All of his best memories were with James. Some had the whole group together but James was in every one of them. Memories he wouldn't get to make any more of...

Natasha saw the way his face went from joyful to somber. "You miss him."

"He was my brother." Sirius nodded. "Sometimes it still hasn't become real. I keep expecting him to walk in the door, Lily right beside him. But I know that's never going to happen." He realized he was bringing the mood down. "Sorry, not the best dinner conversation..."

"It's fine. Personally when you want to know someone. Find out what makes them laugh and cry. Your friend was a big part of your life."

"James was the best man I could ever know. He took me in after my own family cast me out."

"Cast you out?" She raised an eyebrow.

"My family...the name Black is very fitting. There's nothing but bad history and resentment with them. I can't think of someone that wasn't in some way hurt by them. Either cursed or financially. Being that hated was something my parents were proud of."

"But not you?"

"I never fit in with them. Ironically I was the black sheep of the family. One day I argued with my mother. She slapped me in the face and said I was a disgrace to the family. Then cast me out. Well, she thought she did, turns out grandfather didn't do it. I went to James. I had nowhere else to go. His parents welcomed me and I lived with them after."

"They sound good people. I have a friend like that."

"Oh?"

"My partner. Clint." 

Sirius narrowed his eyes. That was a male name.

"Here." She pulled out her phone and showed Sirius a photo of her and Clint. Not one of their missions.

"He gave me a chance when others wouldn't. Even made me his youngest son's godmother."

"Godmother?" That pepped him up. 

"Yep. Taken in and find a family with someone who sees good in you. Guess we have something in common."

"I guess we do." He smiled.

As their food was delivered the conversation went back to the wizarding world.

"So James's parents are they still around?"

"No. I wish they could have seen Harry but unfortunately, they were casualties of the war." Sirius regretted that. They would have loved Harry. But who didn't?

"This war. It sounds very familiar."

"Hitler?" Sirius gave a knowing look. "Lily made the comparison once or twice."

"But you don't know much about him?"

"Muggle history is a little behind."

"How can you learn about history if you don't know it? I mean this Voldemort seems to take the same playbook from him. He rose to power and tried to eradicate a group of people."

"It was deeper than that. The ones who followed him are power-hungry. They would have targeted anyone who demanded the power he promised. Many people died because of him."

"But your government did nothing?"

"They weren't doing enough. That's why we joined Dumbledore. He was at least fighting against him."

"Dumbledore. Strange didn't speak highly of him."

"He's dropped in my eyes too. But back then he was a living legend. The man who beat the Grindelwald. Order of Merlin holder. He was the only one Voldemort was afraid of. We all believed if anyone could stop the war it was him."

"But that wasn't the case."

"No. Lily did. I always knew she was going to do great things but that wasn't one of them."

"My kind of woman." 

"Oh, I think you two would have hit it off. She was a force. To some, she was more terrifying than the Unforgivables." Sirius smirked. 

"Unforgivables?"

"Three spells that if used will get you an immediate life sentence in Azkaban. Our wizard prison."

"What are they?"

"Well, one is the Imperius Curse. It can make the person who it is used on doing anything the caster says."

"Really?"

"Let's say I cast it on you. I could have you go to the ledge and jump. And you would. It robs a person of all free will."

"Dangerous." Natasha let out some hate. She remembered not having the free will to do things in the past. "But I can see how it could be useful."

That surprised Sirius. "What? How? It's disgusting."

"Hypothetically let's say you see someone on the ledge. They're about to jump and you can't reach them in time. If you cast that spell and ordered them to walk back to you. You would be saving their life."

Sirius had never heard such a thing. The whole time at Hogwarts it was hammered how horrible those spells were. But here this muggle was coming up with an actual 'good' use for one.

"That's an interesting idea. But either way, it's still illegal to use. The second one is the Cruciatus Curse. This one is in my opinion the worst. If you're hit with it, it will inflict intense, excruciating physical pain on the victim."

"Horrific form of torture." She realized the implications.

"Very. Too much can cause the brain to completely go insane. It was a favorite of my cousin."

"Cousin?"

"One of his top supporters. Strange, Remus, and I managed to stop her and her husband as they were using it on some friends. She's in Azkaban for life now."

Natasha nodded. "And the final one?"

"The killing curse. Avada Kedavra. If you get hit anywhere it kills you instantly. It was Voldemort's favorite because there is no way to block it other than dodging." Sirius sighed. "He used it on James, Lily, and Harry. But Lily did something and it rebounded when he cast it on Harry. He's the only person in history to survive it."

"Is that the scar on his head?"

Sirius nodded.

"That's...I didn't know that." She felt a new level of hate for this Voldemort. No one hurts a baby. Especially Harry. That child had already found a special place in her heart.

"Lily and James gave everything for him. I won't let that be in vain."

"Good." 

Sirius found her hand over his as she leaned over the table.

That's a good sign.

"How does someone discover they have your ability for magic?" She asked after a few seconds.

"When a child displays magical abilities a professor is sent to the house and informs them of our world. They then begin their schooling. They're there for ten months out of the year until they graduate."

"So your group takes people that have been born with this magic. They are separated from their  families and are expected to conform to your world?"

"I wouldn't put it quite like that but in a sense. The Statute may seem strict but there was a time when we all lived together. Then the hunts began. Many witches and wizards were burned or drowned. It was decided to separate the worlds for everyone's benefit."

"To hide in the shadows, away from the non-magical."

"There weren't a lot of alternatives. And to be fair it does work. I will admit some issues need to be corrected but it holds the peace."

"For now. Based on what you've told me your world is stuck in the past. Why is that?"

"It's a comfortable area for everyone. New things in the Magical world are not easily accepted."

"Things change. Fighting it is a losing battle."

"Try telling that to the ones in charge, but Strange is doing that for you," Sirius smirked but a new idea came to him. "We've talked a lot would you mind if we try something else?"

Natasha looked intrigued and nodded.

Sirius pulled out his wand and cast a few charms to avoid being seen. Then some transfiguration on the other chairs. They turned into musical instruments that played a slow song. 

"May I have this dance?" He held out his hand to her.

Natasha took it and they slipped into a comfortable dance.

"Do I need to lead?" She teased.

"I may not know much about the modern world as you call it but I know how to dance." He grinned back.

"We'll see."

The whole time the music played they had their eyes locked on each other.

Sirius was trying to be more than his past self. He had to grow up some, for Harry's sake, and he was determined to make the best impression he could with this beautiful woman.

Natasha had to admit. He was a very good dancer. Not trained like her but he certainly knew how to move. Every turn she kept studying him. His eyes were that of someone living in the moment.

She didn't hate it. This was more enjoyable than she thought.

The song kept playing as they lost themselves in the music.

Stephen entered his study but stopped in his tracks. Standing by the window was someone he didn't think he would see again.

"Strange." Karl Mordo turned towards him.

"Karl. This is a surprise." 

"When I left I hoped you might learn. But you just can't help but defy the natural order."

"Don't start with me. I did what I had to do. I will not apologize for stopping the end of the world."

"And what will the consequences be? But I'm not here for that. You involved yourself will them?!"

"Yes. They need help. More than I can imagine."

"The rule..."

"Damn the rule!"

"You just don't want to see how you're going to make things worse can you?!"

The two were practically nose to nose as they shouted at each other.

"There was a child! I couldn't do anything!"

"And how many children will suffer from your interference?!"

"He had a Horcrux in his head!!"

 Mordo lost his anger. His face had a look of horror. "You...you removed it?"

"Yes. It was dramatic for the boy but he will be fine." Strange wasn't giving out the full details.

Karl moved to a chair while rubbing his temple. "It's one thing to remove that from a baby. I can even agree with that. But why are you still interfering with their world?"

"Because they are fools. Their government is a joke and filled with lazy incompetence. They need someone to light a fire to force them to grow up."

"And you're that person? Is your ego that big? Looking who I'm talking to." He scuffed.

"You can lecture me all you want. I will not stop. I can't. If I step away now the outcome will be even worse than you fear." Strange sat in his chair.

"Using time again? You're bent on causing destruction aren't you?"

"I'm fixing. Not destroying."

"So far. How long until the price needs to be paid?"

"Is that all you can think about?"

"Someone has to. Someone needs to see the bigger picture."

"If you want to help me please do. But if all you wish to do is tell me my actions are foolish and short-sighted..."

"I came to tell you that you are all over the world. Every country with hidden magical communities knows what you are doing here. Your actions are far-reaching. Many are not happy with your involvement."

"Good. Then I am making the right decisions."

Karl shook his head. "This won't end well Strange. You are not going like how this goes if you don't learn to follow the rules."

"Is that a threat?"

"It is a fact. Nothing more." He headed for the door.

"I would like to have you here. Despite our differences, I still consider you a friend."

"A friend? I didn't think you had those." Karl smirked. "I do still consider you the same, but head my advice. Leave them to their own devices, Stephen. They are not ready to be a part of our group."

"I can't and I won't."

Karl shook his head and left. He met Wong just outside.

"You keep encouraging him." 

"Like Strange needs encouragement. Like it or not he was the Ancient One's chosen. She saw the best in us in him."

"She lied to us. She abused our trust. I...would have followed her to hell itself. But now. Now I'm beginning to believe the world has too many sorcerers in it."

Wong watched as he left. That doesn't sound good. Don't do anything rash, old friend.

"I didn't need a ride," Sirius said from the passenger side.

"I know. But this was an excuse to see Harry again."

He smiled at that. "True. The boy is very excited every time you stop by."

"That's not a problem, is it? I know it's strange the way he keeps calling me that."

"He'll stop when he gets older. I know you aren't trying to replace Lily. Hell, I'll never replace James. But it's nice seeing him smile like that." Sirius looked around the car. "This is a lot different than the last automobile I was in."

"You have cars?"

"We're not that far behind! I even have a motorcycle. It can fly by the way."

"Interesting." She didn't feel like telling him that there were motorcycles like that already. Well, something close that Stark was working on.

Natasha slammed on the break as they came to the house. The house is currently covered in a red hue.

Wanda and Remus were outside. She was keeping the place contained.

"What the bloody hell?!" Sirius jumped out. "Moony! What's going on?!"

"Harry is having a nightmare," Wanda explained. "I'm trying to calm him but it's not easy."

Natasha rushed over. "Wanda how bad?"

"I can keep him under control but he needs to wake up and calm down." 

Sirius started to run in but Remus stopped him. 

"Can we go in?" Natasha asked.

"Yes, but be fast."

Sirius and Natasha went in. Harry was in his crib, floating, and crying.

"Pup!" Sirius tried to get to him but was pushed back to the ground.

Natasha helped him back up. "Let me."

"Are you mental?!" He pulled her back.

"Trust me." She carefully moved forward. "Harry." 

Her voice made Harry stop crying. Slowly his eyes opened and he saw her. "Mum?"

"It's okay Harry." She came up to the crib. 

The house began to shift back. The red faded and Harry floated down into her arms. "Mum!" He held her as tears fell.

"I got you kiddo." Natasha stroked his hair.

"Bad hut mum?" The boy looked up at her.

"There's no bad man here Harry." Sirius came over. "He's gone."

"Well done." Strange came in the doorway after a few minutes.

"You missed all the excitement." Wanda came up next.

"I do have other responsibilities." Strange argued. "How is he?"

"Scared and confused." Natasha turned towards them. "Bad dreams."

"I imagine Voldemort. And that night. Unfortunately, there's not a lot that can be done. Those are deep in his subconscious. Not something I can remove."

"I can," Wanda said. "I can block them until he is older and can control himself better."

"Is it safe?" Sirius asked.

"I will not hurt him. I can't erase them but we shouldn't have to worry about this happening again." She answered. "If you will allow me."

"Don't think I have many choices. We can't have him destroying the house because of a nightmare."

"This is worse than accidental magic." Remus rubbed the back of his head.

Wanda came over and ran her hand over Harry's head. His eyes glowed red and then he let out a yawn. His head rested on Nat's shoulder as he drifted back to sleep.

"There that should help." Wanda patted his back gently. "He'll have more pleasant dreams now."

"Eventually his power will counter that," Strange said. 

"Let's deal with that in the future." Sirius rubbed his temple.

Natasha gently placed the toddler back in the crib.

"Well. How was your night?" Wanda asked.

"Less stressful than yours." The redhead answered. Then looked at Sirius. "It was fun."

Despite what just happened the man felt a warm feeling in her smile.