Strange Potter

Potter Books Scam!

Sirius had the biggest grin as he read the paper. Strange's spell worked perfectly. All those authors who thought they could make money on his godson were scrambling.

Sure the books sold like hot cakes but when they were opened all the buyers read was an endless amount of insults, directed at them. Hilarious!

People were demanding their money back and the publisher was in a very difficult spot. When the ones who wrote the books tried to run with the money they lost it. All of it. The gallons just disappeared from their pockets. 

Unknown until later the buyers all had the money returned to their vaults.

"See pup. This is called karma." Sirius lowered the paper to the toddler sitting on his lap. 

Harry responded by grabbing it and ripping it a little. 

"My thoughts exactly." Sirius put the paper down and spun Harry around to look him in the eye. "You scared me a little last night."

Harry patted his face. "Pafoo."

"I know you didn't mean to." Sirius tickled the boy.

Laughter escaped the boy then some of the kitchen pots and pans began to float. Sirius stopped his assault on the child.

Harry stopped laughing and everything went back to normal.

"How in the hell am I supposed to discipline you when you can do that?" Sirius sat the boy back on his lap.

Harry just turned to the paper and grabbed some of it. Sirius didn't stop him from ripping it up some.

"Better the paper than the house," Wanda spoke from the doorway.

"So I discovered." Sirius sighed. "Good morning Wanda. Tea?"

"I'll get it to thank you." She poured herself a cup and sat across from the two. "No Remus today?"

"He's preoccupied. Stark and Banner are discussing something with his furry problem."

"Right. The moon will be full soon." She remembered. "That's a hard part of his life. He hates himself for it."

"I know," Sirius said softly. "He constantly wants to only see the wolf and not the man he is. But he's better than he was when we first met."

"Banner and Stark will figure out a solution," Wanda reassured.

"Can you see the future too?" Sirius smirked. 

"I can see many things." Wanda's eyes glowed red.

Sirius looked startled but when the smirk appeared on her face he chuckled. "First Harry now you? Chaos is a very fitting title. Bloody ironic too."

"How so?"

"I was a very big trouble maker in my past. Now I have some trouble creators around me all the time. One I'm trying to raise. Somewhere James is laughing at me."

"You're doing well."

"Thank you. But have no idea what I'm doing."

"Does any parent?"

"Lily did. I swear she was as perfect a mother someone could have."

"To you. But I guarantee she had her moments. All parents do."

"Well, she hid it well. I just hope I can be half as good as she and James were."

"Like I said you're doing well from where I'm sitting." Wanda complimented. "Now about you dating Natasha."

"You're not going to threaten me with a painful death, are you? I thought I did pretty well last night." 

"I don't need to threaten you. Nat will handle you if you need it. She's more dangerous than me, to some." Wanda smirked.

"You can bend the world to fit anything you want. And she's more dangerous?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Black Widow." Wanda reminded him. "For what it is worth she wasn’t lying. She did enjoy your date."

"Read her mind?"

"A woman can tell."

"Take your word for it. How does your mind-reading work anyway? It's nothing like ours."

"You can read minds?"

"Not technically. It's more of a glimpse of a person's thoughts and it requires direct eye contact. There's a spell that can use on someone for it called Legilimency. We have a technique that can block it called Occlumency. I was pants at it but I understood enough to tell if someone was trying. Yours is a complete mystery to me."

"I don't need to cast anything, I just can. At first, it was overwhelming. Once I learned to calm it down it was just a matter of when to do it. I don't do it to everyone. Just new ones."

"So I won't be able to hide anything from this little guy will I?" Sirius looked down at Harry.

"He probably already read yours but doesn't understand what he's seeing. I'll teach him how to focus it so it will be easier for him than it was for me."

"Have I told you how grateful I am all of you are here?"

"You're welcome." She smiled. "Are you planning to be here all day?"

"Unfortunately no. Strange wants to see my family library. Not something I'm looking forward to."

"Are you taking Harry with you?"

"No. That place is bad. I won't have him there. Not with these new powers."

"I'll watch him for you. If that is alright?" She offered.

"Yeah. I do trust you, surprisingly. Nothing personal just I'm slow to trust after Peter, but you are the only one who can control his outburst."

"I won't waste your trust. Maybe Natasha can join me. I'm sure she won't pass up a chance to be around Harry."

"Mum!" Harry spoke as he began bouncing on Sirius's lap.

"Well, I guess that settles that. Prongslet has spoken." Sirius chuckled.

Sirius and Strange portaled outside his old home.

"Well, this place is pleasant." Strange looked around the old house.

"No need to lie Doctor. It's a giant pile of dragonshit with walls and a roof."

"There's a lot of magic in this place. Many that are outlawed by your Ministry."

"Welcome to the Grimmauld Place." Sirius sneered as they walked in the door. "Library is upstairs follow me."

"FILTHY TRAITOR! How dare you enter this house!!" A female voice shouted.

Strange looked at the painting shouting at them. The house was tied to it. All the enchantments were encompassed around it.

"Hello, mother." Sirius came up to the painting. "I'm so sorry I missed your funeral. If I was there I would have driven the steak in your heart to make sure you didn't get out of the box!!"

"Ungrateful brat!!" The blinds went wild.

"Enough!" Sirius pulled his wand and hit the portrait with every spell he could think of. It had no effect. "Great." He hissed in anger.

"Still a foolish Gryffindor. Never thinking only acting. " She sneered the last part. "You dare come into MY house again."

"You'll find mother, that this is mine now." He smiled at her. Even dead it was fun to antagonize her. "Recognize what's on my hand?" Sirius held up his hand where the ring sat.

"Impossible!! I cast you out!!"

"Grandfather didn't. With Regulus gone I'm now the head of the house. So shut your banshee mouth!!!"

"Never! I forbid it!!"

"You have no power anymore. You're just an ugly painting on an old wall."

"What a lovely woman," Stephen said.

"Who is this?! You dare bring another blood traitor into my house!!"

"Blood traitor? From what I've seen this  Voldemort caused more pureblood deaths than any other by making you kill yourself. It's pretty obvious whoever joined with him was the true traitor."

"Lying dog!!! Kreacher removed them immediately!!"

The old elf appeared. "Blood traitor. Nasty Master!!" He looked at Sirius.

"Beast!" Sirius backhanded the small elf across the room. "I'll show you who you're talking to!"  Before Sirius could do anything he was wrapped in a glowing orange rope. "Strange?!"

"Strike him again and I'll hit you harder. With something bigger." Stephen warned. "It's bad enough his name is Kreacher. Sometimes your world disgusts me."

"You don't know that damn thing. He's good for nothing! Always has been!"

"Your people enslaved them. You don't get to complain about how they behave." He removed the bindings. "Do not strike him again."

Sirius looked angry but did as he was told. "Fine." He thought ahead before they arrived, in case the elf was still alive, and pulled out a spare glove he had. "Then I'll release him."

The old elf looked horrified. "Kreacher won't! Kreacher will do Master Regulus' last order!!" He blasted the glove out of Sirius's hand and into the fireplace.

Sirius immediately went for his wand at his brother's name. "What order? What did Regulus tell you?!"

"Kreacher will never tell filthy traitor!!!" He popped away.

"You...as Head of House Black returns immediately!!"

"Kreacher won't!!!" The elf shouted from the kitchen.

"Still think I shouldn't slap the blasted thing around?" Sirius looked at Strange.

"Interesting. Can house-elves usually disobey like that?"

"No. Unless they have been ordered by another family member." Sirius thought about it. "If Regulus gave him a final order before death then that Kreacher would do it. Regulus always had a soft spot for that thing."

"Don't call him a thing." Strange growled.

"Kreacher get these traitors out of my house!!!" The painting was ordered.

"Enough of you." Strange put a silence spell around the painting. "You're brother. You said he was a Death Eater?"

"Yes. This is why I need to know what he ordered Kreacher to do. Merlin only knows what the dark bastard had him doing." Sirius growled. "Kreacher come here now!"

The small elf finally reappeared but his glare was still going. "Traitor."

"Shut it! What did Regulus order you to do?"

"Kreacher can't tell nasty master! 

"Tell me right this bloody second you little shite!"

"Kreacher can't say to traitors blood!"

Sirius pointed his wand at the elf but Strange grabbed his arm.

"Notice his words. He said can't, not won't. To you or your blood." Stephen looked at the small elf. "Order him to tell me. I'm not blood."

Sirius shrugged. "Kreacher tell Dr. Strange here what Regulus's last order was!"

Kreacher looked at Strange and was fighting the order. Until he broke down. He began telling the whole story. Regulus's death, the locket, the cave, and then his failure. By the end, he was in tears on the floor.

"My brother...he died fighting against Voldemort?" Sirius sat in a chair at the shocking information.

"Kreacher failed!!!" The old elf sobbed.

"Not yet," Strange said. "Show me this locket. If I can destroy it. Then you will have finally finished his last request."

"Kreacher shouldn't. What would Mistress say?... But Master Regulus..."

The elf disappeared and then came back. Locket in hand.

Strange took it and examined it. "Sirius. It's one of them."

"Regulus...he gave his life trying to stop him. I still can't believe it." Sirius looked at the thing. "Please tell me you can destroy it."

Stephen put the locket on the ground. "Stand back."

Sirius and Kreacher moved as the flaming sword appeared in Strange's hand. He slammed the blade into the locket, but unlike the goblet, it bounced back. 

"How in the world?" Strange grabbed it again before looking closer. "Well, that complicates things."

"What?"

"Riddles enchantments combined with the lockets and this metal...it's not gold. Not fully." Strange ran his hand down the side. "Somehow the original owner got his hands on a piece of Vibranium."

"Vi...what?"

"The strongest metal on earth." The S on the cover was telling. "Salazar Slytherin?"

Sirius looked stunned. "You think it's his? That makes sense. He did claim to be his heir."

"I see why you weren't able to destroy it. You can't open it. The charms make it practically indestructible unless opened. Even my magic needs it. He took more precautions with this one."

"Can you open it?"

"No. We need someone who can speak to snakes." He cast a spell and saw the language needed.

"Well, that's not going to be easy. If anyone can they are not going to advertise it. It's considered a very dark and evil power."

"In this country. Luckily the world is a big place. I'll start looking after we visit this library." Strange explained before looking back at the elf. "Kreacher when I find a way to open this I will bring you to me. You can watch as it is destroyed." Strange promised.

The elf didn't know how to respond but he nodded and disappeared.

Up in the library, Sirius grabbed the one book he knew it was most likely in.

"And...here!" He turned the book towards Strange. "One thing my grandfather did well was kept track of anyone he had blackmailed or owed him money. Here's the name."

Strange looked at the book. Gaunt's name was indeed present. "Marvolo Gaunt. Not Riddle mom but it's a start."

"You can have the book."

"I'll read what I need but you should keep it. You never know how this could come in handy with the Wizengamot. May be helpful to have some information on some of the members."

"Not something I was expecting from you."

"You work with what you got." Strange shrugged.

Sirius saw the elf looking at them from the side of the room. He felt conflicted at Kreacher. Regulus cared for him. He gave his life saving him. Maybe I am too harsh on him. "Kreacher I want you to clean up the house for me. Once we find someone to open the locket you'll know and...thank you for being there for Regulus."

"Filthy master thanks Kreacher? What would Mistress say?" The elf shook his head in disgust.

Then an idea came to Sirius. One that was both a tribute and would infuriate his mother's portrait. "Strange before we go can you do something for my brother?"

That made Kreacher raise his head and look at him.

The painting was tied to the wall with a permanent sticky charm but Stephen had a solution for that.

Mrs. Black was removed from the whole wall and placed in a small room Kreacher had collected things. A permanent silent charm added to the screaming painting.

In her place in the living room was a new wall with an enlarged portrait of Regulus that Sirius added Kreacher in the corner of.

The elf cried at the sight. For the first time in his life, it was happy tears. He was on the wall.

"That was a nice thing you did for him." Strange complimented as they stepped out.

"I didn't do it for him," Sirius confessed. "Regulus...I still can't believe my "perfect' brother died going against Voldemort."

"Everyone has their limits. Maybe you and he had more in common than you believed?"

"I wouldn't go that far. I am glad to hear he didn't die as I thought. He probably did horrible things for Voldemort, but he was braver than I ever thought he could be in the end."

Strange nodded. "In their final moments, a person can show you who they are. Many of Riddle's followers are cowards but I wouldn't use that word on him." Sirius nodded back. "Are you ready to return home?"

"Actually can you drop me off somewhere else? There's something I have to do first." Sirius had one more stop he had to make.

Wanda opened her portal to the farm. The three stepped out.

"You couldn't call ahead?" A voice said behind her.

Natasha smirked at the owner. "When do I need to call to visit?"

Clint lowered his bow. "Nat. Wanda." Then he noticed Natasha was holding something or someone. "I thought Stark recruited them young." He joked.

"Clint, meet Harry. Harry meet my friend Clint." Natasha introduced the toddler in her arms. "He's not a recruit, yet, just babysitting for the day."

Clint looked over at the boy. His green eyes were looking all around but he held on to Nat tightly. "Whose kid is he?"

"That's a long story."

"Well come on in and let's hear it." He led them to the house.

"Auntie Nat!!"Lila practically ran into the woman, when she saw her come in and grabbed her legs. "Whose that?" The young girl asked as she saw Harry.

Natasha knelt to her. "This is Harry."

"You had a baby?!"

Clint was about to correct her for the rude question, even if the girl didn't know it was one, but Natasha stopped him.

"I would be so lucky to have this little guy. Or a daughter as awesome as you, but no. I'm watching him for a friend."

"He's got green eyes."  The girl smiled.

"At the moment." Wanda joked to herself.

"Hi, Wanda." Lila greeted her too.

"Hello." Wanda returned. "You're getting big."

"I grew a whole two inches since last time!" 

"Nat. Wanda." Laura greeted holding the baby Nate. "Who's this?"

"I have a story to tell both of you," Natasha answered.

Wanda kept her eyes on Harry as Natasha told the story to the Bartons. More kids for him to be around. He's enjoying it. 

"So more magic?" Clint asked as Natasha ended the tale.

"Different than what we're used to. Also stuck in the past."

"Strange is handling that," Wanda smirked.

"So the kid lost his parents to a madman." Clint rubbed his head. "How did you get involved, Nat?"

Almost on cue, Harry came over to Natasha. "Mum!" The boy motioned to be picked up.

"Nat..." Clint looked at her. Some empathy in his eyes.

"It's fine. I share the same hair as his mom." She picked the boy up. "He's taken a liking to me."

"He's not the only one," Wanda said thinking of Sirius.

Clint and Laura saw the movement on the table, then a soft sugar cookie flew into Harry's hand, his glowing red hand. The boy began eating as he looked around the room and up at Natasha with crumb filled smile.

"Yeah, he does that too," Wanda answered the unasked question.

"Two of you?" Clint spoke. "That's not terrifying at all."

"Don't worry we'll be merciful and loving gods when we take over the universe." Wanda tilted her head.

The three adults looked at her with a mix of amusement and slight terror. Until she smiled and breathed a sigh of relief. They didn’t believe her but the look she gave them was concerning.

"You ruling everything would make my job easier." Natasha teased. "I could retire."

"Sorry, Nat. I don't have any desire to be a queen. Neither does Harry. He does want another cookie."

Natasha looked down and saw him reaching for another. "One more. Don't want to ruin your lunch." She grabbed one and gave it to the boy who happily took it.

"Sirius might be upset you didn't bring any back for him." Wanda joked.

"True." Natasha agreed. "Come on kid." She stood up. "Let's go for a walk."

"Hold up Nat." Clint walked after them. Leaving Nate, Wanda, and Laura in the kitchen.

"How is this little guy doing?" Wanda came over to Nate. Her brother's memorial.

"He's been having some rough nights. Teething." Laura explained.

Wanda looked at him. "May I try something? It might help."

Laura nodded and Wanda gently cupped Nate's jaw. It glowed red.

"There, I numbed his gums," Wanda explained. "He should be less fussy now."

"I needed you two kids ago." Laura chuckled.

Outside Natasha and Clint walked around the farm. 

"He likes it here," Natasha observed as she watched Harry looking around.

"So...what's this story with the kid's godfather?" Clint asked.

"We went on a date."

"And?" Clint dug deeper.

"Didn't take you for the juicy gossip type."

"No usually digging into things is your area." He teased back. "But I am curious. Does he know about you? The part neither of us like talking about?"

"No."

"Are you going to tell him? That we weren't always heroes to some?"

"I...haven't decided yet."

"You may want to. If nothing else this little guy is crazy about you."

Clint motioned to Harry. Who was watching a butterfly land on a fence post? Then it changes colors. Soon a rainbow butterfly was flying off as Harry giggled with red eyes.

"I see what you're saying," Natasha said. "Sirius should know who he is trusting with him." 

"To be fair I trust you with my kids completely. But Lila didn't need to know how to dislocate someone's shoulder when she was six. Or for Cooper to know how to hot wire any car he might need." He reminded her.

"All useful skills and you know it." Natasha laughed.

"Makes me wonder what you plan to teach Nate when he's older."

"That would ruin the surprise." 

"Great..." Clint groaned.

The three spent the day at the farm the Bartons. Harry was enjoying the other kids but Wanda had to step in when he almost had Cooper floating above the house.

The older boy was both freaked and excited at the ordeal. Lila was jumping up and down to go next.

The Navajo Nation Reservation

Wong and Steven walked into the reservation.

"Are we sure will find one here?" Strange asked.

"Yes. At least seventy-five percent."

"How much do you know of them?"

"They are in the same secret group as Sirius but here in the States. More specifically for their community as a whole."

"So better or worse?"

"Different." Was Wong's only answer.

The old man waiting at the edge of them into his home. In the back, he tapped the wall and they entered a vastly different place.

Outside was a desert. Inside was a very well hidden oasis. Trees and rivers ran for acres. Houses and shops were present but only in a small spot. The rest was seemingly untouched land.

"My ancestors hid this place. It's one of the last refuges from a dark time. Many of my people lack the gift to come here."

"It's like their Diagon Alley. Or the area in New York."

"But bigger. It's very impressive. Breathtaking really." Strange admired. "The view is incredible."

"That it is. Now come we will speak in private."

They were led inside one of the many hogan's where they found another larger area than shown.

"What is it that has brought the Supreme to my home?" The elder man asked when they sat.

"I have come into possession of an item that needs to be destroyed. However, the spells require a Parseltongue to render it vulnerable."

"What is so dangerous about this item?"

"It possesses the soul of a madman."

The elder's eyes raised. "The splitting of a soul. Dark and dangerous magic. You wish I expose one of my own to it?"

"If there was another way I would, but the charms make it a difficult task. I will protect your Speaker. You have my word."

"The word of the Supreme...the last one is was the reason we have this place. She led my people here." He gave a small nod. "Very well. I will bring the Speaker here, but I will remain with her throughout the entire time."

"Perfectly acceptable, thank you." Strange agreed.

When he walked out Wong turned to Strange. "She was more involved than I thought."

"I think we are only seeing a small fraction of her influence. She may have made the rule but didn’t mind bending it."

"Another trait you two share."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"Don't, your head is big enough."

Strange chuckle at that. Leave it to Wong to be blunt. It was one of the many reasons he enjoyed his friendship.

A few minutes later the entrance opened. The elder stepped in with another person behind him. What neither of them expected was a girl, no older than twelve, to be the one to enter.

"This young girl?"

"She is the last of a line of Speakers and the only one who has the gift." He shared a brief word with the girl in their native language. "She is willing to help."

"Thank you, Miss..." 

"Kateri." The girl answered slightly nervous. The Sorcerer Supreme was a big deal to anyone who heard of him.

As she stood there Strange noticed something circling her leg. A very large diamondback rattlesnake.

Wong saw it too and his hands formed a spell to strike it before it could hurt the child, but Strange stopped him.

"Whose your friend Kateri?" He asked as he motioned down.

Kateri smiled and picked the venomous snake up which wrapped around her shoulder. "His real name is too hard to say so I call him Dakota. It was the only one he liked." She explained as she petted him.

"Well nice to meet you both." Strange stood slowly and pulled out the locket. "Am I safe to bring this closer?"

The snake hissed and Kateri whispered back before she looked at Stephen again. "He won't bite as long as you don't try anything. He can sense your power. It makes him nervous and he is very protective."

"A good friend to have." Strange laid the locket on a table. "Once this is opened I need you to step back fast and ignore anything you hear from it. Do you understand?"

Kateri looked at the elder who put his hand on her shoulder.

"I'll be right here." He reassured.

She nodded and stepped forward.

"Oh, one thing first." Stephen stopped her. He cast a portal straight to Grimmauld Place. "Kreacher!" He called out. I hate that name. 

The old elf popped through the portal and looked around. "Time?" He had more hope in his voice than he had ever had before.

"It is." Strange nodded. "Stand back and you will see your task complete."

Kreacher had no reason to listen to the man but the promise of fulfilling Regulus's task was all he had to hear. His big eyes focused on the hated locket that cost him his greatest master.

The girl started for the table. A few feet from it she focused on the locket and spoke.

SS Open SS 

The lock rose and images began filling the room. A sick twisted voice started speaking, but before anyone could hear it Strange acted.

The sword pierced the center and an agonizing scream erupted as the fire burned and the metal began to melt.

The elder pulled Kateri back as Wong put himself between them and what was happening.

Soon the screaming stopped and all that was left was a small pile of what once was.

Stephen dusted up the ashes and placed them in a small jar which he handed to Kreacher. "Regulus last order is done. You didn't fail him."

Kreacher took the jar and had more tears streaming down his old face. He did not acknowledge Strange as he popped back to the house, but it was obvious he had a weight lifted off his shoulders.

"Thank you for your assistance. Especially you Kateri." Strange smiled at the girl. "You have a wonderful gift no matter what others may think."

She gave him a grateful nod before stepping back out with Dakota hissing in her ear. Something that made her start laughing out loud.

"Whose was that?" The man asked after the child left.

"Somethings are better left unanswered." Strange replied. "Here." He hands the man a coin. "You did me a favor today. If you ever need one from me just say my name."

"A favor from the Supreme? I will not waste this."

They shook hands before the two stepped out and into a portal back to the Sanctum. 

"Three down." Wong took a seat.

"We've been very lucky. I don't think that will last." Stephen took his seat. 

"Any ideas for the others?"

"None. My only hope is to learn as much about Riddle as I can. Where he lived, who he associated with, and any family he might have had. That will take time."

"Agreed. You are certainly making a big name for yourself in their world."

"So Karl told me."

Wong grew concerned. "He didn't seem like himself."

"Not to me either. It's probably best if we keep an eye and ear open for any news from him."

Wong nodded. "I don't like it but I agree. I hope he doesn't do anything foolish."

"That makes two of us."

Sirius was hopeful Harry would master using portals too. They were much more comfortable to use. Especially when they can get into Hogwarts. 

"Sirius!" McGonagall practically shouted as she saw him.

"Minerva." Sirius greeted his old head of the house. 

"Dr. Strange's magic is very difficult to understand." She watched as the portal faded. "It appears you are enjoying the benefits."

"It is much more comfortable," Sirius smirked. "You look well."

"It is good to see you too." She said honestly. "I'm afraid I owe you an apology. For a brief time, I was convinced you were the traitor." She felt ashamed that she even considered the possibility. James and Sirius were closer than brothers.

"You don't owe me anything. It was understandable to believe what you did. The fault was mine. I should have told someone the plan, but my stupidity almost cost me the only thing I had left."

Minerva gave him a look of understanding. "Is Harry well?"

"Completely. He loves the new home and Strange's friends."

"Sirius!" Hagrid said with his booming voice from behind them. He then proceeded to pick up the man and hug him tight. "Ter good ter see yeh! I'm sorry I thought yeh betrayed James or Lily! please forgive me." He had tears forming.

"Hagrid...lungs...crushing...blacking out." Sirius gasped.

"Oh..." The huge man put him down. "Sorry abou' tha." 

"It's alright. Who doesn't enjoy a good back popping anyway." He smiled up at the man. "Hagrid you did nothing wrong. You got Harry out of there like you were told. I should have gone with you and explained everything right then and there. I was at fault for being so angry and stupid."

"None o' tha' now." Hagrid patted the man's back.  "How's Harry? The little tike was out cold when I took 'im ter his family."

"He's fine. I have a friend watching him for the moment. Someone I trust." He reassured the two.

"As happy as I am to see you, I don't think you came here for a social visit. Correct?" McGonagall said.

"You are, as usual, right," Sirius replied. "I need to talk with Albus. Oh, and I came to get my bike back." He looked at Hagrid.

The half-giant went wide-eyed. "Forgot 'bout tha'! I'll have it ready before yeh leave."

"Thank you." Sirius patted the man's arm, then pulled something out of this jacket. A small bag of gallons and a note. "Lily wanted you to have this." He handed him paper to the man.

"Wha' is it?" He asked as he took the items. 

"No idea. Lily just had you as a person in her will. I don't question her." 

Hagrid opened the letter.

Hello Hagrid. 

If you're reading this then I am gone. I want to thank you. You were the kindest, gentlest, and biggest friend a person could ask for.

When I came to Hogwarts I felt like I truly belonged but was always fighting the stigma of being a muggleborn. But not to you. You had the brightest smile as you welcomed me to Hogwarts with the other first years. 

When we joined the order you were there with us. You went from the kind keeper to a true friend. I hope Harry can have the same friendship with you one day. 

I remember during some of the order meetings, when we were waiting for Dumbledore, you talked about wanting to see the dragon reserves one day.

Please take these gallons and do just that and never stop being the kind-hearted person you are. The world needs more like you.

Your friend,

Lily Potter

By the time he got to the end, he was in tears. He pulled out his handkerchief and the hall filled with the noise of him blowing into it.

"Thank yeh Sirius." He finally calmed down enough and wiped the tears away.

"I'm just delivery boy," Sirius replied. "I'll be by to get the bike after." He promised.

Hagrid dismissed himself to go it ready just as he was leaving another was coming in.

"Sirius. A pleasant surprise." Dumbledore greeted him.

"Albus." Sirius acknowledged him. "We need to talk."

"Agreed. Would you care to join me in my chamber?"

Sirius nodded but remembered another thing. "Oh, Minerva almost forgot." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a stack of books shrunken down. "James and Lily wanted you to have these."

She took the small stack and examined them in surprise. "Their old textbooks?"

"Something about the notes in the margins. Both wrote a lot in them. Some spells, some suggestions, and thoughts on their professors. I think you might enjoy the read."

She placed them in her pocket for later. She started to leave the two but Sirius stopped her.

"I would appreciate it if you joined us as well. Remus told me you were there at the Dursleys." 

McGonagall understood what the meeting was about and she too had questions for Albus.

Dumbledore would have preferred to speak with Sirius in private but he couldn't think of a good reason to not have her around.

Once they were up in the Headmaster's chambers they all got comfortable as they sat.

"I'm happy you finally came to see me. I feel I owe you an explanation."

"You think?" Sirius replied. "After what you tried to pull I think  you owe me that and more."

Albus held in his feelings. Sirius was still bitter about the situation. He couldn't blame him. From his perspective, he had done something wrong.

"I understand you are angry. Perhaps my method was too extreme but I truly was only looking after Harry's best interest. The protection offered by living with his aunt would have ensured he was safe to the best of my abilities."

"Firstly Albus you don't get to decide what is best for Harry, understand and accept that fact right now." Sirius glared. "Second if he was safe then how did Strange have him before you even realized he was gone? He took Harry minutes after you left and you had no idea. Care to explain that?"

"I could have never imagined he would involve himself. It's been over sixty years since I had an encounter with his order." Dumbledore defended himself.

"You abandoned Harry on a doorstep! Anyone could have taken him at any time. Bloody hell,  he could have wandered off on his own! Are you that neglectful or just incompetent?!"

"Sirius!" McGonagall raised her voice. "While I understand your anger, shouting will not make things any better."

"My godson was left in the cold night after his parents were murdered. I will shout and curse as much as I bloody well want!" He turned towards her. "You will always have my respect but I am not a student you can tower over anymore. I'm a parent now and I want answers."

This caused her to look at him like he had grown another head. He had never been like this. Sure he was a hot head but this was different. It wasn't a man quick to anger sitting here. This was a man who was looking out for his own. She wouldn't admit it right now but this did fill her with some pride.

"Sirius. I know to you it seems I was not acting as I should but understand that I had few options. James and Lily were gone. You were the traitor as far as I knew. His aunt was both the only person who could be trusted and her blood would ensure his well-being."

"Except she couldn't be trusted, could she. Strange only had to offer to take Harry off her hands and she signed him away without a second thought. Great decision that." Sirius growled. "There was a reason Lily never had her as a possible guardian, hell she wasn’t even in the will. As you well know."

"I had hoped she would be able to let go of her animosity and see Harry as her second chance to be closer to Lily," Dumbledore said softly. It truly was what he hoped but he knew it was unlikely. "Blood is thicker than water they say."

"I have a long list of my own blood that proves that statement to be hogwash." Sirius snorted. "Why were you even watching that house?" He looked at McGonagall.

"Albus asked me to. He told me that they could be a target to get to Lily." She explained.

"It is true." Dumbledore chimed in. "It wasn't hard to discover Lily had a sister. I feared that Voldemort might believe they had taken refuge with them."

"James and Lily would never go there."

"You know that and so do I, but Voldemort wouldn't see it that way. So as a precaution I asked Minerva to watch over them."

Sirius couldn't disagree with that. Sure they would never hide there but that wouldn't matter to the dark bastard or his followers.

"Why didn't you take him to Alice? She was safe and Lily trusted her. Why didn't you?"

Dumbledore sighed. "It was a difficult decision. With the flaw in the Fidelius Charm discovered and Lily's sacrifice, I could create the strongest protection available. Better to be safe than risk both Neville and Harry." He tried to reason. 

"And how did that work out? I've spoken with Alice. Did you know they only came out of hiding because they couldn't get a hold of you? She was desperate for information on Harry. If you would have taken Harry there, as you should, Alice and Frank might not have almost been tortured to insanity."

"I told them not to leave." 

Sirius shook his head. "You made decisions you had no right to make and caused more harm than good Albus. Even if I could accept your reasons, you tried to keep Harry from me even after I was cleared and guardianship was given to me. That is unforgivable."

"Sirius, I was trying to protect him."

"From me?!" Sirius glared. "No, I won't hear any of your excuses for that. I want your word that you will never attempt to interfere with Harry's life again. You will accept that you have no authority to make decisions for him and never will. That or Harry will never come to Hogwarts. There are plenty of other schools available for him." Sirius laid down the law.

Dumbledore looked at Sirius in shock. That was too much. He had to get him to see reason. The young man is just not mature enough to be a parent. He should listen to those who are wiser.

"Sirius?" McGonagall was pale at the very thought. "You would keep Harry from Hogwarts?"

"I will do whatever I have to to make sure he is safe, loved, and happy. If that means he doesn't come here. Then so be it."

"James and Lily would want him here!" Dumbledore finally found his voice.

"You don't get to say what James or Lily would want," Sirius said with an icy voice. "Their bodies weren't even cold when you decided their wishes meant nothing."

"You would deny him his proper place? His family has come here for generations." Dumbledore tried to make him understand. He needed Harry here!

"I will do whatever I have to Albus. Now give me your word."

Dumbledore pondered this situation. He knew he was in a non-negotiable position. Sirius held all the cards and knew it. Normally he would be able to persuade him around but he could tell his anger wouldn't allow that. 

It couldn't be helped. To win the war he would have to lose this battle. Besides Petunia's refusal to allow Harry to stay there made the argument a mote point now.

"Very well. I promise you I will not attempt to interfere with Harry or your lives. I will not bring up his aunt ever again." Dumbledore let some of his age out. He never wanted to appear weak but sometimes it was a useful thing. "I hope I can earn your trust once again."

"That is a difficult task, but if you want to make a good start give me the answer you didn't want to give Strange." Sirius went for the elephant in the room. "Why did Voldemort target Harry?"

McGonagall flinched at the name but she quickly realized the question. "Sirius, whatever do you mean?"

"Lily was given a chance to survive. He told her to move. His goal was to kill Harry and I think Dumbledore knows why."

Dumbledore wishes Strange stayed out of everything. The man was ruining his plans and giving out secrets that should remain hidden. 

There was no way he could tell Sirius of the prophecy. The man already held too much power in Harry's life. The last thing he needed was Sirius to raise the boy believing he is destined to save the world. His ego would to great. 

"As I told Strange. It's impossible to guess why he offered to spare her. The only positive that came from that terrible night was that he did. Her willingness to sacrifice herself for Harry was the only reason he survived." 

Sirius only glared back. Does he think he can just word step around the question? How many times have I fallen for this? Has the world? I don't think he understands what a straight answer is. He wants the prophecy known only by him.

"Why did Riddle want to kill Harry?! I want a straight answer, Albus. No fancy work around."

"Riddle?" McGonagall looked puzzled at the name.

Sirius pulled out his wand and showed her the anagram in the air. It took Strange a whole ten seconds to realize the names went together and showed Remus and him. "His real name. Dumbledore explained it to Stephen."

"An anagram?" She was stunned. "His name was a lie."

"More like he was embarrassed by his birth name. So he fashions one more fitting as he believed." Dumbledore explained.

"Why did you never tell anyone this?" She gave him a stern look.

"I didn't believe it was prudent." Albus shrugged. "What he chose to call himself was irrelevant. It was his strength and message that gave him his power base. Telling everyone wouldn't have changed anything."

"Not telling us was a mistake but I agree with not informing the rest of the world," Sirius spoke. "His parentage might cause some others to make things more difficult on muggles and muggleborns. Someone using so much fear and hates to terrorize and that someone barely being more than a muggleborn? I could already see someone like Malfoy using it to help pass more strict laws."

"That is one of the reasons I kept it to myself. I too feared that possible outcome." Dumbledore agreed. He was pleasantly surprised Sirius could see the bigger picture in this regard.

"We still should have been told." She argued back.

"Perhaps. I apologize for not being more informative with it, but I truly was trying to minimize the damage he might have, unknowingly, caused." Dumbledore said with honesty.

"We've gotten off track." Sirius chimed in. "I'm still waiting for your answer."

Dumbledore was once again in a difficult situation. He couldn't reveal the prophecy. There was too much riding on him guiding Harry. Plus the possibility of Sirius finding out who leaked it to Tom.

"I'm afraid I have no answer for you. If I could see into his mind  the war would have gone very differently." Dumbledore replied as he interlocked his hand together on the desk.

"You think you alone can make all the decisions." Sirius shook his head. "Albus I know you are hiding something. You didn't want to tell Strange, understandable, he is an unknown and you don't trust him. Why are you not willing to trust me? It's my responsibility to look after Harry. If he is in danger because you couldn't stop speaking out your arse then how can you expect to get any trust back? I'm giving you a chance to be honest and earn some of it back, but you won't." 

"I wish I had more to say on the matter, but understand that there is a reason I do things. Everything I do is for the betterment of our world and to see the end of Voldemort for good." Albus again tried to defend his actions.

Sirius stood up. "I wish you understood what power you don't have here. My godson. My responsibility. Luckily Strange is being more helpful than you are. Harry will have everything he should. He'll never want for anything and he certainly won't be discarded as you did." He glared.

"Sirius..." Dumbledore started.

"I was hoping you might be willing to listen but you choose not to. Before I go I need James's cloak. Harry should have it."

Dumbledore hated how this went. Sirius was always quick to act and slow to listen but usually, he could persuade him to his way of thinking. Now he didn't trust him at all. An experience he wasn't use to.

Worse now he was asking for the cloak. Albus was certain it was one of the hollows and he needed more time to study it. He fully planned to return it to Harry, eventually. A gift when he came to Hogwarts. After he studied it as much as possible and added some spells to it. 

One thing he learned from James was how foolish it was to have a cloak that he was unable to see threw running around. James caused a lot of mischief with it and didn't want Harry doing the same. But there was nothing he could do. If he wanted to start building some bridges with Sirius he would have to hand over the cloak.

"Of course. Give me a moment to retrieve it." Dumbledore rose and went to his bed chambers. He returned a few minutes later with said cloak. "Here you are." 

"Thank you."Sirius took it from him. "I'm sure Harry will appreciate having it back."

"I hope he does."

Sirius nodded as he held it. So many memories were in this. I miss you Prongs.

"Still managing to escape consequences Black?" A new voice said from the doorway.

Sirius felt hate fill him at the sight. Snape always had a way to ruin good moments just by being there.

"What consequences? Trusting the wrong person? Everyone is capable of that. Lily make the mistake of trusting you once, then you stabbed her in the back." Sirius shot back 

Rage filled Snape's eyes. How dare this mutt!  "If they hadn't trusted your plan they would still be alive. Potter dragged Lily down his moronic level of thinking, it's a shame. She did make a mistake, I agree, of being with him. If she hadn't she would still be alive."

Sirius shot across the room and got right in Snape's face. The two glared at each other, both gripping their wands in their pockets. Dumbledore had gripped his own, should he have to interfere.

"The fact Dumbledore even allowed you to be a professor just proves how bad his judgment has become. I wonder how much arse kissing you had to do to be protected by him? You do have a lot of experience being on your knees to powerful people. Whose taste better? Dumbledore or Voldemort?" 

Snape sneered even more. "You are one to talk Black. If it wasn't for Strange you would be rotting in Azkaban. Where we both know you truly belong."

"Gentleman please!" Dumbledore tried to calm them.

Neither acknowledged him.

The stand-off was intense until Sirius said the most unexpected thing. 

"I'm sorry for that day with Remus," Sirius spoke softly but loud enough for everyone to hear. The anger wasn't gone but he was controlling it better. "And the day James hung you upside down. We were both horrible brats and went too far. The Willow...I never thought you would go but that's no excuse. I nearly killed you and Remus." He paused trying to find the right words. "I hate you. But I never wanted you dead. No one deserves what almost happened that night."

The others in the room were stunned. Even Snape was briefly too but his face soon went from his cold attitude to hate-filled.

Trying to play off as the bigger man?! Pathetic!

But before he could respond Sirius's fist slammed into his nose with all the strength he had.

Snape fell to the ground, his nose broken, blood pouring down his face.

"Sirius!!" Dumbledore shouted.

McGonagall was so surprised she couldn't say anything.

"If you ever insult my friend again in front of me, I'll break a lot more than your hook nose," Sirius warned as he stood above him.

Snape did exactly as Sirius knew he would. He went for his wand. Sirius brought his foot down as it came up and slapped it on the floor.

"Oops." Sirius shrugged. "Goodbye, you sniveling bastard." He stepped past him and went to the door, never taking his eyes off the down man. "Albus remember your word. Minerva, I hope those books give you some idea of how James saw you. I wish two of you a pleasant day." He then left the chamber.

"Severus let me help you to Poppy." Albus came over to him.

"I'll go on my own!" Snape left. Cursing the names Black and Potter the whole way.

"Well can't say he didn't deserve that." The hat said.

"I wish I could disagree," McGonagall said, softly. She respected her colleagues but Snape needed to get past his issues with James. The man was gone. 

"I hardly think that is appropriate." Dumbledore chastised the hat.

"Neither is insulting the dead. But that didn't bother you. Would that have been the same reaction if it was said...your sister he was degrading?"

Dumbledore didn't respond. He was at a loss how to salvage his ruined plan.

"I hope you will honor your word, Albus. The thought of James and Lily's son not coming to Hogwarts is unthinkable." McGonagall said.

"Have you lost as much trust in me as well?" His voice was smaller than she had ever heard it.

"I'll always respect you Albus, but you know well that I didn't agree with you about Harry's relatives. Now I wish I would have fought harder against leaving him there."

"It was the best place for him." He defended with a tired voice. 

"Then why did Petunia not keep him? I told you they were the worst sort." When he didn't reply she saw herself out.

Albus shook his head and went back to his thoughts. Nothing is going right. Now I have to wait ten years to see what kind of a person Harry is. Merlin, I hope he isn't too arrogant.

Natasha was waiting at the entrance to the house the next day. Sirius had asked to meet her there but he was running a little late.

Suddenly someone rode a motorcycle down from the sky. It landed not far from her car and she immediately knew who it was as he rode up.

"Told you it could fly," Sirius said smugly.

"I didn't doubt it," Natasha said back. "That's an old model." She looked closely. "A 1959 Triumph 650 T 120 Bonneville."

"You know your motorcycles," Sirius said surprisingly. 

"You would be shocked at the things I know." She smirked back. "How safe is this?"

"Very. Right pup?" Sirius looked in the sidecar.

"Fy!!" Harry popped up giggling. "Gan! Gan!"

"You let him ride in this?!" Natasha said with a slight edge to her voice.

"Harry loves to fly." The man shrugged. "It's just as safe as the broom I got him before they went into hiding. He rode that thing so much the wood was starting to splinter."

"Is this true Harry?" She asked the toddler.

"Fy!!" Harry jumped up and down. 

"I'll take that as a yes." She smirked.

"Want to go for a ride?" Sirius asked.

"Alright, but stay on the ground." She instructed as she picked up Harry and sat behind him.

The three took off. Sirius was a much better driver in the air she quickly realized. It didn't seem to bother Harry. The boy was having a blast even on the ground. She had been around Clint's kids a lot but she has never seen a child who was so positive and happy.

He might not understand the tragic past of his parents but that was for the future. She just wanted to see him grow up being the same happy kid.

When Sirius stopped back at her car he turned off the bike. "Well, what do you think?"

"Could use some driving lessons, but someone enjoyed it." She held Harry as she stepped out.

"My driving that bad?" He rubbed the back of his head.

"Let's just say I will be a while before I let you borrow my car." She teased with a smile.

"Probably couldn't get the bloody thing to start anyway." He mumbled.

The conversation was pleasant but Nat knew she had something to tell him. He needed to hear the truth.

She pulled out her phone. "Sirius before we go any further with whatever this is you need to watch this. You need to see the 'real' me."

Sirius raised his eyebrows but saw the video. She fought strange creatures, shooting firearms, beating the hell out of people with just her legs and fist. This was just one video! There were a lot more on this YouTube. 

"You...you do all that?"

"It's what I am. I've been trained for this since I was a child. I was made into a weapon. I choose to be a person. I didn't use to have anything worth fighting for until I found my family." She said.

"You're telling me you're dangerous?"

"I am. More than you think. I do like you Sirius." She was honest. "This boy has completely stolen my heart. But you need to see who I am. What I am and understand that."

Sirius saw how Harry clung to her. The way she looked at him. It was hard to believe this woman was capable of what he saw. But it didn't drive him away. If anything he was more intrigued. She wouldn't let anyone or anything hurt Harry.

Another thing they had in common.

"So will I be getting a real date in the future? Or more information gathering?" Sirius asked with slight hope.

Natasha smiled at him. "Depends."

"On?"

"How well you can do this." She leaned in.

Sirius found her lips against his. For a moment he was certain his brain just stopped. Then he finally came back to his senses and kissed her back.

Harry's giggles broke them out of their lip lock.

"Hmm." She mused. Natasha was liking him. He wasn't as much a man child as she thought. "Are you free this Saturday?"

"If Pup here allows it I am." Sirius looked at Harry. "What do you say?" Harry blew a raspberry at him and giggled as he held on to Nat. "I'm going to take that as a yes." 

"One thing. I get to take this for a drive." She motioned to the bike.

"No arguments here." Sirius smiled back.

Sirius hopped into the sidecar with Harry. Once she was sure he had a good hold of Harry she took off.

The motor barely drowned out the sound of the toddler's laughter.

Nat looked at the two out of the corner of her eye.

I could get used to this.