Strange Potter

"I win again!"

"Ahaaa!!!" 

Tony knew exactly what happened. "So how bad did you lose this time?" He asked as he poked his head into the room.

Regulus was with Morgan, naturally, with a fully VR game system on, and they were decked in the suits built for it.

"Of course, she won! You built the bloody game!"

"Regulus!" His mum yelled.

"Sorry, mum!" He said instinctively.

"Don't be a sore loser." Morgan laughed. "Want to do wands vs gauntlet?"

"Yes!" Regulus began pulling off the suit. This was a game he won more than lost.

"Only tickle charms," Natasha called from the hallway.

"I know mum!!"

"No dismemberment Morgan," Tony added. "I can't go making new arms for him."

"But can't magic grow it back?"

"Tony!" Pepper shouted.

Tony winked at the pair and went to join Bruce in the lab.

The kids moved to a bigger room and stood across from each other.

Regulus pulled out his wand. Not as cool as his brothers but he was just a beginner. He'd get a custom one later.

Morgan pulled on her iron gauntlet. It was barely powered. It would sting more like a rubber band than hurt.

"Ready?" She held up her hand to her face.

"Are you?" Regulus did the same with his wand.

"First to five?"

"Ten."

"Get ready to be sore."

"Get ready to wet yourself laughing."

The two began. Dodging, jumping, and moving through the huge room.

It double as a gym/testing area so there was a lot of room to move.

After they both managed to land two hits a piece it was time for a change in landscape. 

"F. R.I.D.A.Y! Raise the shields!" Morgan ordered.

Several shields materialized around the room and the two took cover behind them.

"Getting tired yet?!" Regulus called.

"Is it your nap time already?!" The young Stark teased back. "Aw!!" She laughed out as a spell hit her backside.

"That's three!" He ran off back behind cover.

"Get back here!" She shouted and took off after him.

It was ten minutes later that the two were tied at nine a piece.

Regulus had taken a few too many hits to his backside. While Morgan had barely made it to her feet from laughing when they stood a few yards away from each other.

It was like an old western.

Both drew and fired and both fell to the ground. Morgan laughing, Regulus holding his sore stomach and butt.

"Tie?" He asked with a groan.

"Tie." She wiped the wetness from her eyes.

Down the hall Pepper sat with Natasha as their kids burnt off energy.

"Whose going to win this time?" Pepper asked.

"Reg is getting pretty good with his spell work, but never underestimate the girl. Especially a Stark." Natasha answered. "Do NOT tell Tony I said that last part."

Pepper laughed at that. "How's Harry?"

"He called this morning. He's in the same house as Sirius and his dad. Neville too. No problems so far but we'll see how things go." She sighed. "The fact he's in that castle and so far from home has been driving me crazy."

"I can imagine."

"I shouldn't worry. He can move the whole place with a thought but I still couldn't get a good night's sleep thinking about it."

"Don't worry too much about that. You're doing exactly as I would be in the situation.  Motherhood suits you." Pepper smiled.

"Well, when you are already the parent to superheroes," Natasha smirked. "To be fair Regulus and Harry are easier than Tony or Thor."

"Completely agree." 

Regulus and Morgan came. The boy still rubbing his back.

"Who won this time?" Natasha asked. 

"Tie," Morgan answered as she went to the fridge. "Here Reg." She tossed him water. "You want some ice for your butt?" 

"Ha, ha, ha." He sat and opened the water.

After the two rested for a few minutes they were ready to go again.

"Can we go flying?!" Morgan asked her mom.

"Did you put away all the game accessories?"

"Crap," Morgan remembered. "Reg come on!"

She grabbed the boy and pulled him out the door.

"Those two are going to be either the rulers of the world or the co-directors of the new Shield." Pepper said off-handedly.

"What's the difference?"

"Well...that's a good point." 

The two moms laughed at that.

In the Lab.

Bruce and Tony were going over some new tests and possible options for a certain furry problem.

Remus was sitting at the table and looking at all the attempts. For ten years he had been a Guinea pig for a stack of tests and failures. 

"Bruce. Tony. I do appreciate all of this but it's been years and I don't see this going any different than the last."

"Remus." Bruce pulled back from the monitor. "We've made a lot of progress here. I know it's been slow but I'm certain we're close."

"You are one optimistic Doctor." Remus chuckled to himself.

Tony was looking over some of the chemicals and combos. "That's Brucey. A shining example of optimism and anger management."

"Funny." Bruce rolled his eyes.

Remus laughed a little. Tony was funny. In his way.

"So how's that kid?" Tony acted like he didn't know the name.

"Harry is fine. Sirius said he is in the same house as us and is going to try out for the team."

"Like they wouldn't take him." Tony scuffed. "The kid flies more than me."

"That's a little scary when you think about it." Remus chuckled.

At about that time a smaller person ran into the room.

"Uncle Remus! We need a fair judge!"

"F.R.I.D.A.Y. is a fair judge," Morgan argued as she ran in behind him.

"She's biased towards you!"

"And he's not?!"

"Yeah but for me!"

"Calm down you two." Remus chuckled. "Morgan you know I am always fair. What's the game?"

"Outside come on!" Regulus grabbed his hand and Morgan grabbed the other.

"Careful with our test subject!" Tony shouted as they dragged the man outside.

"Can you not call him that?"

"No." Tony pulled up some of the footage of Moony tearing at the room he was imprisoned in during the transformation into a newer one. "That new potion of theirs does seem to calm him during these times."

"It's odd. These combinations of ingredients shouldn't have any scientific effect but they can help control that part of him."

"Magic and science. Maybe we should see what Point Break would add?"

"You love calling him that don't you?"

"What gave that away?" Tony said nonchalantly.

"Boss. Mrs. Boss said to remind you it's your turn to make the kids their lunch."

"How hard is it to combine ham and cheese on bread?"

"Asking her."

"STOP!!!" 

"Just kidding Boss." 

"Getting played by my A.I...yeah that sounds about right." 

"Go on Tony. I'll set things here." Bruce shook his head with a smile.

About an hour later Bruce decided to take a break himself.

As he was about to head out what Tony said earlier about combining was still in his mind. He pulled up some of his past vaccines and added some of the components to the current formula.

"F.R.I.D.A.Y. run a full test of what I'm uploading."

"Yes Dr. Banner. Estimated time. Ten hours."

"Keep me posted." He said and shut off the lights on his way out.

After several long hours of trying to stop two kids from another round and it was time to head home.

The wizard port keyed outside his house. Even if it came from the money James had left him it was still nice to have a place to call home.

Wanda was inside laying on the couch. One of her favorite sitcoms playing. 

"I thought we were watching that together?" He joked as he came in.

The TV show started over with a flick of her finger.

"There." She smiled up at him.

Remus sat and she tossed her feet over his lap. "I still can't believe you got me hooked on these things too."

"I didn't get you hooked. The shows did." She smirked. "You can't find this type of writing in today's 'entertainment'."

"Cheesy?"

"Full of heart. The writers cared about the story without forcing some message down your throat." 

They fell into a comfortable silence as the show played.

"Harry says Hi by the way." She smirked.

"It is still unnerving that you two can talk in your heads." 

"You're just jealous."

"Bloody right I am." The man chuckled. "Do you have any idea how much Sirius and I could have gotten away with in school if we could do that?"

"More than you already did." She answered.

"Fair point." He shrugged.

"Did you have any luck at the lab?" 

Remus sighed. "No. I don't think they are going to be making a difference. I'm grateful but it just seems like we're not making any progress."

"Have faith, Remus." She sat up. "You're not alone in this." She held his hand.

'Why are you so good to me?" Remus spoke out loud.

Wanda moved up over his lap and put their heads together. "Why don't you fear me?"

"Because you're not someone to be afraid of. Well to people you care about."

"You're the same."

"I can't control it like you."

"Sometimes I wonder if it controls me..." She admitted. "After my brother...I didn't know what was left for me. Then I met a child that would bring me a whole new family."

"I'm sorry I never got to meet him."

"He would have hated you."

"Really? Because of you know." Remus held his hands up over his head like ears.

"No. He would have found that entertaining.  He would drive the big brother angle. Overprotective."

"Like you need protection," Remus smirked.

"Not from you I don't." She teased back.

"Wanda..."

"Do you know what I feel here?" She placed her hand on his chest. "You. Only you. No monster. No wolf. That's who you are."

Remus to her other hand and placed it on his face. "You're not a witch..." he spoke softly. "You're an angel."

Wanda closed the gap between their lips and showed him that angels can be devils as well.

Ministers office.

"Dr. Strange. It's a pleasure." Fudge tried to put on a brave face.

"Likewise." Stephen motioned to the chairs.

To say it was very uncomfortable for the new minister was an understatement. He was hoping that Strange wouldn't get back involved so soon. 

"Congratulations on your election." Strange broke the silence. It was obvious the man was intimidated by him. Something he would exploit to the max degree.

"Thank you, Dr. Strange." Fudge straightened up in his chair. "It is a pleasure meeting you in person. I was merely a lower employee when you 'introduced' yourself to everyone. It's still a tale that fills the halls."

"I do enjoy leaving an impact on everyone's mind."

"That you do." Fudge gave an uneasy chuckle. "That being said. What can I do for you today doctor?"

"Well, I heard a very unsettling rumor going around. That some people, who don't have the best intentions for you or the magical world, are thinking of undoing all the work that Bagnold and I have done over the last decade. I just had to come here to clear up those misunderstandings."

"I truly have no idea what you're referring to Doctor. Those changes have been a staple to my election."

"So I heard. I'm glad I can rest assured that you are just as understanding of a Minister as she was."

"My goal is to further your thoughts and ideas. You have set a great example of bringing out the world together. No one can deny that you have taken You-Know-Whos philosophy and stamped it out of my ministry."

"That was just the start. I hope to eradicate it from all corners of the whole magical world."

"Quite the undertaking. If there is anything my administration can do to assist then please let me know."

For a politician, he is a terrible liar. "We just need to continue with the current climate. The classes at Hogwarts and the contract here stop any of his supporters from gaining any traction. I see no reason why any of those should change. I would hate to see someone who was marked or a sympathizer getting a job here. It could very well lead to another dangerous level of corruption to fill this building all over again."

"Of course, I see your point." Fudge reluctantly agreed. "You have my assurance that the contracts are still in effect and as far as the classes go there is no reason to even consider removing them." For now. I'll have to work with Lucius on this. I can't risk making an enemy of this man. 

"Splendid." Stephen grinned. "It's been a pleasure. I hope all of our MANY talks in the future are good."

The man paled even more at the implementation. "Of...of course. You are welcome here any time."

As Stephen stood the doors opened and in walked a woman. Wearing a very loud pink outfit with her head held high as if to look down on others.

"Cornelius I've..." The woman realized who else was in the room. "Dr. Strange." She said with obvious fake sweetness. "Such a pleasure to see you, dearie."

"The same to you. I'm sorry I don't know your name, miss?"

"Dolores Umbridge." She answered sweetly. " Cornelius new Undersecretary."

"A pleasure madam." Stephen nodded to her.

"The same to you Doctor. You have certainly made a large impact these last ten years." None of them are good.

"Yes, that is what I have heard a lot of. Mosty positive I hope?"

"Of course dearie." She smiled at him.

She is very unsettling. That is a smile of a woman who can do horrible things and sleep like a baby.

"May I ask why you are here?" She pressed.

"Just some minor details to work out with the Minster. Ones I am happy to hear will not be a problem."

"I don't see why the Ministry has to keep you abreast our affairs. You are American correct? You don't have any real authority over us."

"Luckily the previous Supreme made it a part of the agreement between our worlds. As such I do have authority here so you can rest assured madam, you will be seeing a lot of me in the future." Stephen smiled back at her.

"I'm looking forward to it." Umbridge smiled at him as slipped out of one of his 'portals'. Once it closed she dropped the act. "Cornelius we can't let that man continue to destroy our world! His actions have already driven us down a disgusting road."

She still felt disdain for all the new laws that allowed mudbloods and half-bloods to use magic that should only be reserved for the proper people.

"We can't afford to make an enemy of him Dolores." Fudge argued. "We...we have to be smart and careful."

"He openly used dark and dangerous magic and you wish to be careful about it? That man has no right to continue being a part of our world."

"He does Dolores." Fudge groaned. "We are bound by the same agreement like everyone else in our world. He is the Supreme. His word is the law."

"We can't be his slaves!" She felt the red in her cheeks. "You are the Minister, surely you have the authority to force him to stay out of our affairs!"

"Dolores enough." He rubbed his temple. "This Doctor is already ahead of us so we have to make our decision carefully. Do you understand?"

She wasn't happy but she would think of another way "And the contracts?"

"Quietly look into them. Perhaps there is a loophole in them."

"That is not enough and you know it." She needed them completely re-written. She only signed, very reluctantly, in the hopes one day they could be thrown out or rewritten. A contract with unquestionable loyalty to the Ministry would do so much to fix all the changes that had happened. Not that she would sign a new one. Her loyalty was unquestionable.

"It's the best we can do at the moment." 

"Very well." She decided not to press the issue for now. "And what about the overinflation Auror budget? There is no reason for it to remain that high."

"Yes." It was peacetime. Why would they need such a large amount of gallons? "I'll look into that myself and hopefully we can divert some of that to more important departments."

"Yes about those departments. I trust you are going to handle the heads that are unqualified for the positions?" The thought of mudbloods still being in charge of such high levels in the ministry still infuriated her.

"Unqualified?" Fudge looked at her in confusion. "These departments have never been in better condition or run smoother."

"Cornelius surely you can see the issue. Some of the departments head was barely qualified to be assistants before being thrust into their roles."

"Dolores I don't see what you mean but if you believe it is an issue I'll look over them. Although I doubt it will change anything. Replacing them would just be a bigger headache for me."

Dolores had to stop herself from arguing. It would take time but she was certain she could persuade him to fill the roles with more deserving people. Proper Purebloods.

"Of course. If there is anything else you need please let me know."

"Thank you, Dolores. I am lucky to have you here with me."

Yes, you are. She smiled. "I'm happy to be here. We can bring our Ministry back to its proper standards. Together."

It was Saturday morning and Regulus was already up and ready for the day.

He was pacing back and forth in the living room when Natasha walked in.

"Yeah, you miss him." She teased.

"Like you don't." The boy replied. "Where is he?"

"Probably still tired from his practice. Sit." She motioned to the chair. "What do you want for breakfast?"

"Waffles! With peach syrup! And Marmite on toast!" His mom tilted her head and waited. "Please." He added quickly.

"That a boy." She smiled back. Manners.

"Make that two," Sirius spoke as he came in and moved to the supplies, and began casting to get the tea and coffee going. "Tea?" He offered Nat.

"You know I mainstream coffee." She smirked as she began mixing the batter.

"I keep offering hoping I'll be able to convert over to finer taste." He smiled as he poured her cup and his.

"If I had a better taste I might not have gone on that first date."

"Oww. Straight for the jugular." Sirius faked offense and looked at Regulus. "That's your mother."

"And proud of it!" The boy exclaimed.

Sirius smiled as she laughed.

All three sat down for their breakfast while Sirius did the dishes. By that, he cast some cleaning charms and washing ones. He was happy to be able to use them.

On days his pranks went too far Natasha would take his wand away and make him clean the house without it. 

So he didn't prank her very often but still was in the dog house every time Regulus caught her with one.

They were about halfway through the meal when a red glowing portal opened in the room.

"Harry!!" Regulus dropped his fork and tackled the taller boy.

"I think you missed me." Harry laughed as he hugged his brother back.

"Only a little." Regulus shrugged as he pulled back.

Sirius and Natasha were quick to hug him as well.

"So a seeker? A first-year too." Sirius patted his shoulder. "James is cheering somewhere." 

"You were too," Natasha smirked. "He danced through the house after you hung up."

"I knew it." Harry laughed at the image.

"How long until someone comes looking for you?" She asked.

"Nevilles covering for me so I have about two hours before I need to pop back."

"Sit. I'll get you something to eat." Natasha started for the fridge.

"Mum, you sit." Harry smiled. "I'll get it." 

Before she could do anything Harry's magic began making himself an egg sandwich with bacon.

Soon he was sitting at the table eating with them.

"So any more issues?" Sirius asked. 

"Nope. Snape is still a jerk but he's not going too far. The portrait is keeping him in line. Mostly."

Natasha had a dark look in her eyes at the man's name. "Next time I go with you." She said to Sirius.

"Like I could stop you."

True,  the only reason she wasn’t there when Harry called as she had already taken Regulus to the Starks at the time. Otherwise, the situation would have been handled very differently.

"Please let me be there!" Harry almost begged. "That would be the greatest happy memory ever. I bet I could summon a Patronus with ease at that one." He laughed.

"Me too!" Regulus added.

"Alright, that's enough." Natasha grinned. "Any other issues?"

"Not at the moment. Classes are going fine and practice is fun. Oliver is really into Quidditch. Like more than you." He said to Sirius.

"We'll agree to disagree there." The man laughed. "I feel we should say something about getting a detention your first day but..."

"WE agreed that we'll let it slide this time." Natasha winked.

Harry laughed and told Regulus the whole story. The boy was laughing hard at the thought of a man getting hit in the testicles with a spell.

The next two hours were spent talking and Regulus telling Harry about the fun he had at Tony's. 

"Crap." Harry looked at his watch. "I got to get back."

"Already?" Regulus groaned.

"I'll be back tomorrow." He reassured him.

"And every weekend." The younger boy said.

"Promise."

Harry said his goodbyes and portaled back to his bed at the school.

He opened the currents and slipped down to the common room.

"You slept late." His female friend said as she was sitting by the fireplace.

"Practice was exhausting." Not a lie but not a true answer either.

"Hmm." She shrugged and went back to her book. "I hope it won't affect your grades."

"Thanks, mum." Harry teased back. "Don't worry about that. I would hate for you to carry the whole year by yourself."

"That would be a shame." She found herself laughing. I think I'm going to like having him as a friend. My first.

Back in the lab, Bruce's monitor lit up. 

98.7%probabilityof success...