Strange Potter

"What do you think you're doing Zabini?"

Blaise rolled his eyes as he met with the three in the Slytherin common room. "Malfoy. If it's not clear to you I plan to go to my room and get some sleep."

"You know what I'm talking about!" The blonde growled.

"Do I?" He took stock of the audience in the room. Some had the same glare that Draco did. Others were more reserved.

"You and Potter! How can you sit at that table with him?! I never knew you and your family were blood traitors. Just cowards."

Blaise held his wand in his pocket. "Traitors? Because we didn't follow someone like sheep? My father was playing the fence, like a true Slytherin. How many purebloods died in that war? Some families are near extinct because of that."

"All traitors!" Draco hissed. "When the dark lord returns he'll have your head for..."

"For what?!" The stoic boy raised his voice. "For having the information you want? For being close to the boy he wants dead more than anyone and being able to give him Intel you will never have. For gathering as much as I can on Dr. Strange? The one sorcerer who makes Dumbledore look like a squib."

The whole house was listening and some were seeing where Blaise was going with this. And they were impressed with the boy's logic.

"You won't live long enough to tell him. He'll kill you the second he is back!"

"Doubtful." Blaise was doing well at hiding his fear. He knew he was playing a dangerous game but hoped it would be the best outcome for his family. "The man was a genius. He'll see the benefit of my position. What do you have to offer?"

"My father..."

"I asked you!" Blaise went into Draco's face. "Besides money what do you have?! I have information. That's priceless to him. Which one of us will truly be in his favor when he returns Draco?!"

The whole room went quiet. Draco was as red as a Weasley's head. On pure instinct, he went for his wand but Blaise had him out directly in his face.

"Enough!" The older Perfect shouted. "Both of you go to bed."

"You're standing up for this traitor?!"

"Malfoy off with you now. Don't make me take points from our own house because you can't control yourself. You're acting like a Gryffindor right now."

Draco acted as if he had just been spit on. You will all pay for this. He promised himself as he and his goons left.

"Zabini. I don't agree with your plan but I do understand it. I don't think I have to warn you to be careful do I?"

"I'm always careful and precise," Blaise replied.

I hope so. Off to bed now."

Blaise nodded and went to his room. He carefully hid his wand under his pillow and took the time to write a letter to his father informing him of all his actions. Then called his house-elf to take it. 

With a yawn, he climbed into bed. But he knew he would have to learn to sleep with one eye open from now on.

Snape was not a man who understood what it meant to be happy. All this came from the time before Lily wasn't in the arms of Potter or when he was tormenting others.

He was even less so now that the pompous brat was in the school. Potter was just like he knew he would be. Black raised him to be a copy of his father.

But what was most infuriating was the fact the boy had his mother's mind as well as her eyes!

He was currently annoyed that Potter's spawn was indeed right about the flowers. The potion he created was one of the most powerful healing potions he had ever seen. If he could get this on the market he would be set for life.

But three issues stomped that hope. 

One the amount of seeds Sprout had was only a dozen.

The second was the shelf life. The potent combination was not long-lasting. He couldn't tell if the other ingredients were counteracting with this new plant or if the plant itself was.

The third, and the worst to him, was that even if he was able to make it more sustainable he would need a lot more. Which meant having to get Potter to have his foolish brute of a 'god' deliver more. It would be a cold day in hell before he asked Potter for anything.

Potter may have been right but he is still a dunderhead. It may be used but the time it takes to brew and the short life span made it too inconvenient. 

If it was anyone else he would take a longer look, but the spawns attitude was not worth the effort. He may not gain from walking away but neither would Potter. That was a win in his book.

He cleaned the station and carried the finished product to the Headmaster. Fully satisfied that he could rub the failure in the nose of the brat.

As he left he didn't notice Harry floating above him. The boy went down to the notes he left and quickly memorized them. As much as he didn't like the man he had to give him credit. The man was a genius when it came to potions.

So the flower is too potent...Still, I was right. I just need some time and someone not full of hubris to look over it. As a matter of fact. I think Doc knows someone who might work out better.

Harry warped back to his body and quickly wrote down all of Snape's notes. He may believe he hit a wall but Harry was willing to bet a man in his six hundreds might have a few more ideas.

And he would get to talk to Thor for more soil and seeds.

Or he could just create a whole field of them...that would be faster but would leave some questions.

Wanda?

Here as usual.

How would you like to try out botany?

....What?

Hear me out.

Herbology was interesting, to say the least.

Sprout was quite proud of the new addition to greenhouse number 3. All twelve of the seeds were planted and waiting for growth.

Harry couldn't promise that Thor would be able to provide more anytime soon but did promise to ask when he next saw the god.

Sprout was quite happy with that agreement.

The lesson today was covering Devil's Snare and learning to cast Incendio to deal with them.

As they were taking notes and practicing the spell Sprout broke them into pairs. This time separating them from their regular groups. Neville was partnered with Justin Finch-Fletchley. Hermione was with Hannah Abbott and Harry was with Susan Bones.

It was maybe a full five minutes before she asked.

"So...how does your step-mum work with a god?" 

Harry chuckled at that. "She is a member of a team of remarkable people. They safeguard the world from dangers."

Susan looked at him confused. "I think I overheard you saying something like that at the sorting. Is Dr. Strange a part of them?"

"Not officially. He's allied with them when they need it but he mostly focuses on the magical side. They're more physical and extraterrestrial threats."

She seemed to go quiet for a few minutes. "I wish he would have gotten involved sooner."

Harry felt her pain. She lost a lot in the war. Out of respect, he focused hard to stay out of her mind. "Me too, Doc helped my family but I know there's a lot who didn't get that luck. He regrets not breaking the rule before that Halloween." He said the last part softly.

"Could he...could he have stopped Voldemort?"

"He would have or died trying," Harry said honestly.

"Do you believe he is still out there?"

"Yes. Doc does too." He answered. "He's promised me that no matter what this world won't be alone if he comes back."

Susan saw the honesty in Harry's eyes. "You believe in him don't you?"

"Doc is the greatest sorcerer in the world. Between him and Wanda, there's nothing that they can't do. Trust me." Harry smiled. "If that coward ever shows up again he'll face the full might of the Avengers."

Susan smiled back. She didn't know who the Avengers were but if Dr. Strange and Miss. Maximoff was just two of them she liked the odds. Maybe the horrors she heard her aunt talk about wouldn't come to pass again?

"So the Devil Snare." Harry motioned.

"Right." She gathered her thoughts. "Have you cast Incendio before?"

"Once inside then mum made me go outside after I set the drapes on fire..." Harry rubbed the back of his head.

She laughed at that.

It was later that Harry and McGonagall were brought up to the Headmaster's office.

"Mr. Potter." Dumbledore greeted. 

"Headmaster." Harry greeted then saw the bat lurking in the corner. "Professor." He smiled. He hates seeing me happy. It's hilarious.

Snape sneered back.

"I take it you tested the flowers?" Harry asked. 

"Of course I did Potter." He glared. "It failed."

"Oh? So it didn't make a stronger potion?"

"Not entirely," Dumbledore spoke. "You were correct on the possibility but it isn't as substantiable as the current potion. It is a positive contribution to be sure but not as practical."

"Hmm," Harry spoke. "Well I hoped it would work but you never know unless you try."

"Unfortunately, even if it was a viable option, the lack of quantity would make it far too expensive to produce," Dumbledore said. "But I appalled by your observation and idea and Professor Sprout is very happy with her new plants."

"I already promised to have a talk with Thor for some more soil and seeds in the future." 

"I'm sure she will like that. Perhaps with a little time and patience Professor Snape and her can work out a better solution."

I doubt he will. Just by looking at him, he can't stand the idea of having to rely on my help. What a manchild.

Harry's eyes met with Snape and he felt another attempt to read it.

"James." Lily smiled at her husband. "Thank you for showing me the truth about that awful man. How could I have been so blind?"

"You're a beautiful soul Lily." He held her. " You saw your friendship. Not the vile monster he truly was."

"Being friends with him was the biggest regret I will ever have." She held her pregnant stomach. "Saying yes to you will always be the greatest thing that I could hope for."

The image became the two of them locked in a deep kiss.

Snape snapped back in a level of fury he had never been to before. How is he doing this?! Who taught him how to defend his mind like that?

"See something you didn't like in my head Professor?" Harry asked innocently.

"What?!" McGonagall stood. "Again?! Are you incapable of learning?"

"Professor." Harry interrupted. "This whole thing was a test and he just fail. Just like I figured he would."

"What are you talking about Potter?!" Snape growled.

"I gave you a chance in your first class. You failed. This was your second chance, for my mother, and you failed again because you just couldn't help but try to force yourself into MY head. I'll be taking these flowers to someone who will be able to be professional."

"You little brat."

"Stop!" Dumbledore shouted. "Severus control yourself." He looked at Harry. "What do you mean by that Mr. Potter?"

"I don't like him." Harry motioned to Snape. "And he hates me, but no one can argue he isn't a master of his craft. The only reason I brought it to him was that. I thought that the idea of creating a potion that could be profitable for both of us would make him reconsider his attitude towards me. It didn't so I am done trying. He had his chance and blew it."

"You.." Snape rose.

"Try it." Harry challenged. "Give the school board a reason to fire you. Give Doc an opportunity to finally bring you to answer for your Death Eater past." He smirked. "The Headmaster can't protect you from him and I know he's been waiting to get the truth out of you." Or mum but that is something I'll let you discover on your own.

"That's enough both of you." Dumbledore tried to calm everything down. "Severus please don't press this. You have my trust but, unfortunately, you do not have Stranges and Sirius won't stop if you try to assault Harry again."

Snape was very red. He was tired of the brat acting like he was supposed to bow to him. It didn't cross his mind that all Harry wanted was to not be treated like garbage by him. No to him the boy just wanted special attention.

"Harry." The old wizard began towards him. "I understand your point but we must sometimes work with people who are less than ideal. While Severus may be a tad overwhelming to some it's an important lesson that you should learn to adapt to work with all individuals."

"Not happening." Harry shrugged. "If that is your solution then shouldn't he have to adapt to work with someone who won't let him belittle or insult him? Or is that a lesson only for me?" He mocked lightly. 

Dumbledore sighed. These two were worse than James and Severus were. I should have stepped in back then, but both were too involved in their mutual hatred. And both suffered from it. But the boy needs to trust me on this. Severus is the best asset in the coming war.

"Is there anything else Headmaster?" Harry asked. 

"Not to my knowledge Mr. Potter. Please have a pleasant evening." Dumbledore dismissed.

I'm going to take those notes to Doc. Then Wanda and I can create a whole field of those flowers. With the right potion master, we can make this work.

"You attempt to breach one of my lion's minds again and I will settle this with my wand." McGonagall threatened. 

She escorted Harry out and now just Albus and Snape remained.

"Are you satisfied?" Dumbledore looked at him in disappointment. "This was a golden opportunity to cement yourself in a way that protected you and put you in Harry's good graces and you couldn't do it."

"The brat..."

"Severus!" Dumbledore thundered. "He handed you a chance to be in a position where you would be even more successful in your role. Voldemort could see your success in the potions as a way to be close to the boy and provide him with a resource."

"It is a waste of time! If I can't get it to work in the long term then no one will."

"Severus take the rest of the day to reflect. You know how important Harry is and the more you fight him the more he's going to fight back. The boy doesn't trust either of us and nothing I say will persuade him."

The bothered Albus. Not being able to have control over a situation was maddening. With Harry believing so much in Strange he had a long road ahead to get the boy to understand. 

Unfortunately, Severus wasn't helping. If the boy trusted me then it would be easier. So much to do. I hoped the wands would begin to build a positive impact on our relationship and it may have but not enough right now. I need to be patient.

Unfortunately, that is something Tom isn't going to do...When he returns I need the boy to walk the path fate decided for him. 

In the back of his mind, he held out hope. Hope that Tom would use one special ritual to gain a body and use Harry's blood. If the protection from Lilly is still there then it would give the boy a chance.

But that I have to be sure of. I need to test if it is still there...

The trio was gathered around the fireplace in their common room that night. They were going over some of their notes and lining out their essays.

"Ha." 

At the table off to the side, Ron was now on a winning streak with chess. 

"He's really good at that." Neville threw in after one round and joined the other two earlier. 

"A game." Hermione waved off. She wished she didn't have to share a dorm with Weasley but her other friends were there so it was okay. When she looked at Harry she knew it was better than okay.

"Anyone else?" Ron challenged. Nobody answered so he turned to someone he wanted to have a go at. "Don't want to try your luck, Harry?"

Harry ignored him and took more notes.

"Hey, I ask you something!"

"And I ignored you," Harry said back.

"Too scared?"

"Oh yes." Harry held up his hand as steady as steel. "See me shake?"

Ron went a let red at that. "Mental..." He grumbled. "How bout you, Granger?" A chance to take that nightmare down a little was worth it.

"No." She said simply. "I don't enjoy barbaric games." 

"It's chess! The second greatest game behind Quidditch."

"The pieces destroy each other. Barbaric." She condensed.

"You're not as smart as you think," Ron smirked back.

She huffed at him and glared at him. "You're not smart at all. So says your spell work and assignments."

He glared back and went redder. "Shut it your nightmare! How are you even a Gryffindor?! The hat made a mistake!"

Harry slammed his book closed and rose from the seat. All the eyes in the room were on him as he sat across from Ron.

"We playing or are you just going to keep talking?"

Ron's glare went to him and the game began.

"What's your problem, Ron?" Harry moved the pawn.

"You. You shouldn't be hanging with Slytherins or that annoying Granger."

"Who I'm friends with is none of your business. You're the one who didn't want to be a part of my study group."

"Salazar was friends with Godric," Hermione said. "Like brothers. Getting along with everyone is what they would have wanted."

"Shut it. Godric tossed him out."

"He left willingly." Hermione counted. "I don't agree with his views but Godric saw something else in him." It was true. The man was a bigot and would never want her here but she was willing to admit that the school never would have been possible without him. She didn't have to like someone to respect what they had accomplished.

"I don't care about houses. I judge by the character of a person. I don't like Malfoy because he's a spoiled tosser." Harry kept up the game. "You should listen more in History."

"All you do is read and do homework! You should be having more fun."

Harry rolled his eyes. "And you have too much. I'm here to learn not to jack around."

"I don't jack around! I'm just not obsessed with books!"

"Then you're the one missing out! There a reason you're just barely getting by."

"You think you're better than me Potter?!" Ron growled.

"I am smarter." Harry shrugged. The game was not one of his favorite. As Cap said it was a poor analogy for war. "I didn't get to the top of the year by sitting on my arse and hoping for the best. Is that all you want? To barely accomplish anything?"

"You don't know a damn thing!" Ron was as red as his hair. First my brothers. Ginny. Now Potter! "You act like Malfoy!"

Harry squinted at the thought. Ron's self-esteem was low. He didn't believe he would ever be as successful as his brothers. He felt his mother loved his sister more than him. 

So rather than work to be better he sulks and belittles. Why do I have to be more mature than most? This is annoying.

"Like Malfoy? How? I don't make threats I don't keep. I don't go running to daddy when I don't get my way. I don't care about blood. You see a house and immediately judge someone by it. That sounds very Malfoy to me." Harry moved another piece. "Check."

Ron glared and moved his bishop. "Check."

The back and forth went on as the rest gathered. Ron was a lot of things to many but no one could ever say he wasn't a chess prodigy. The fact Harry was matching him was impressive to many.

"You get everything you've ever wanted I bet." Ron hissed.

"And then some." Harry moved. "I also get a lot of what I need. My mum made sure I always appreciate what I have."

"Black probably gave you all the best."

"And?" Harry glared. "Yes, my godfather made sure I was well off. So what?"

Ron turns his full focus to the game. He had to win. He had to beat Potter.

"We don't have to be friends Ron." Harry kept up. "But if we're enemies then that is on you. I don't want to be that. I'll stand up for my friends but I won't go out of my way to insult you unless you start it."

"You don't know what you have," Ron growled. "Everything."

"It seems to me you don't know what you have," Harry argued. "All the money and gods in the world can't give me or others back what they lost in the war. Something you still have."

Yeah, so I can be bullied by the twins and ignored by Ginny. Bloody arsehole you are Potter.

Harry shook his head at that. Ron was letting his anger get the best of him. That was a mistake when you're trying to stay five steps ahead.

And Harry took full advantage of it.

It was a short three minutes later that he saw it.

"Bare King." Harry motioned down.

Ron saw it too. Both were down to only their kings. 

"Wow. I've never seen that," Neville spoke.

"You had me. Three moved back." Harry stood. "But you let me get in your head. That's how you lose a real war." He offered his hand. "Good game?"

The redhead stood and shook. Although he didn't seem happy about it. He didn't seem upset either.

Ron put all the pieces back on the board and left the room. He didn't beat Potter but he didn't lose. He was was just as good as him. That felt strange.

Sirius looked over the note Stephen had left him. 

He wanted to push for stricter penalties and prison time for love potions. 

"This seems like an extreme measure." Remus sat across from him reading the same thing.

"Well, you heard him. If Riddle was conceived through them then it shows how dangerous they can be." 

"Remember when they were just a prank?"

"We never did that. Even I have limits."

"No, you didn't. But yes we didn't use them. I remember that boy in our fifth year though. Got a box of chocolates meant for someone else and ate half."

"Then tried to snog that Hufflepuff guy." Sirius laughed.

"Did they ever find out who sent them?"

"No idea." Sirius made a note. "This might be a difficult sell."

"Yes. It's not like you can use the dark lord as an example. Not without revealing his true name."

"Which would only give some of the others a push to take back some of the laws that have been carefully passed." Sirius rubbed his temple.

"Well, I'm sure you have something up your sleeve. You always do." Remus reassured.

Sirius did indeed have a few ideas mulling around but had to pick the best one. He looked over the first draft of it and looked to the backyard. where Natasha as Regulus practicing his fighting skills. 

Natasha was going easy but not too easy. She want to make sure he was learning and growing. 

Regulus was loving it. He loved to learn magic but martial arts from his Avenger mum?! How could he not enjoy it?

"That boy is going to be a multiple threat when he gets to school," Remus smirked.

"Good."

The following Wednesday at midnight proved to be an interesting one as well.

Professor Sinistra must have had a list of questions for Harry because the second he arrived she began.

"Mr. Potter. You have been holding out on me."

"Professor?"

"You knew someone who lived on another planet. Do you think that might be an interesting thing to bring up in a class where we study the stars?"

"Oh...right. What do you want to know?"

"How about his planet first. Can you show it to us?" She motioned to the telescope.

"Well, you can't see Asgard from here. It's outside our solar system. It's beyond the Andromeda galaxy. There's no way for anyone, even the most advanced telescope in the world wouldn't be able to catch a glimpse of it."

"Please continue." She longed to believe there was more life out in the universe but to see it. It was impressive. "How does your friend know about our planet if he lives so far away?"

"How did Thor describe it?" Harry thought a second. "He calls it the Nine Realms. Nine planets that, while located in separate parts of the universe are connected by the branches of Yggdrasil. The inhabitants of the realms are mostly associated with each other rather than the other advanced species residing beyond. Earth is one of the Realms, but we're considered to be too underdeveloped by the other races to associate with."

"Underdeveloped?"

"We're talking monkeys compared to a lot of the universe. Even people like Tony Stark and Wakanda are only just making the same developments as those other planets made centuries ago."

Some of the purebloods in the room looked offended by that comparison.

"So if it's so far away. How does that 'god' get here so fast?" 

"The Bifrost." He answered. "It's dimensional energy which allows instant travel within the Nine Realms. It's used by Asgardians, who use a bridge to harness the energy and access the Bifrost to travel to and protect the realms."

"That was the bright light," Hermione spoke. "It's amazing that it can let someone travel so far away and so fast. It breaks the nature of the speed of light."

"It's magic and science together." Harry smiled. "We use magic and non-magical rely on science. Thor comes from a place where they are the same."

"Fascinating." The professor let out. "This magic is even more complex than Dr. Strange's."

"There's a lot about the universe and magic that is barely understood. As Doc told me. 'Always keep an open mind. You never know when you might have to unlearn to learn.'"

"That doesn't make sense." Hermione chewed her lip. "How can you learn by forgetting what you already know?"

"You don't forget. You just open your mind to a bigger scale. Doc struggled with that too but look at him. He took control by letting go of it." He realized how that sounded. "You know what? He explained it better than I did." Harry chuckled.

"I believe we have gotten off point." The professor said. "Back to the lesson."

"We'll talk about this later," Hermione whispered.

"I didn't doubt it." 

Harry did enjoy this class. It was one of the ones that worked with the non-magical world. Studying consultations and stars. 

Maybe one day I'll go to those stars...

"How many years are we going to have to force these conversations?"

Thor sat at the table on the other side. His pieces waiting for him to move.

"You realize I've already beaten you five times before you moved?"

"You love the sound of your voice." Thor moved his piece.

"Thor Son of Odin!" The other said boastfully. "I beg your pardon but that is how you address yourself." Then moved his pawn. All had been strangely transformed into various members of the Avengers.

"Destined for Glorious Purpose!" Thor said back. "Not so glorious now."

The game stopped as his opponent stood and moved closer to the barrier separating them.

"Who robbed me of that?"

"You robbed yourself." Thor stood and now was face to face. 

"Why do you keep coming back? To rub it in?"

"To see my brother."

Lokis's smile was not comforting. "Oh, how you must find this so amusing. Over ten years stuck in this box while you are groomed to take the old man's place."

"Do not speak that way about our father."

"Your father."

"And our mother?" Thor challenged.

Loki lost his grin. "...Your mother." He went back to his seat.

"Brother you are well versed in lying but now I believe you're lying to yourself." Thor sat back down.

"If only you were as astute at seeing through my deception as you wish you were."

"I always assume you are lying brother. That is the trick."

"Then I should only speak the truth then." Loki grinned.

"Do you even know how?"

"Of course. It's just so boring." The dark-haired god started the game back up. "The stride you had when you came in made it obvious that you came from your favorite obtuse world."

"I go to many worlds. A pleasure some get to enjoy."

"Oh, brother you wound me so much," Loki said dramatically.

"If you ever get out of that cell I will." Thor moved as Loki took more of his pieces off the board.

"Was it a visit to your woman? Or your friends? Or perhaps to that child you seemed to take a liking towards?"

"I knew it was a mistake to let that slip," Thor growled.

"Come now. Everyone should have a pet." 

"He is no pet." Thor glared. "You would be wise too..."

"You're going to lecture me on wise?" Loki laughed. "Do tell me."

Thor looked back at the board and sighed. "You win this time."

"Was there ever any doubt?"

Thor went to the wall and added a mark under Lokis's name. His own was about half as full.

"Will you ever stop these pointless visits?" 

Thor turned back to him. "When I no longer do then you will know I am dead."

The God of Mischief watched Thor leave with a mixed heart. Between him and Frigga, they had made his imprisonment slightly more bearable. 

"It's good to see you two still playing your games."

Loki sighed as he found her in his cell again. "Game? That would imply that there is a challenge."

"You do keep letting him win." She smiled.

"Of course. It makes the loss more enjoyable when he believes he will win again."

"So you say."

"What other reason would I lose to that brute?"

"Because you enjoy playing."

Loki rolled his eyes and grabbed one of his books. "If you please excuse me I have 'much' to do."

Frigga disappeared still with a smile as Loki lay on his bed. 

This boy... Brother, what is he to you? Why are you and your annoying friend so much involved with a simple child? Well, I have time to ponder it at least. 

And work on how best to use the boy to my advantage. Any chink I can find in that group's armor is best to be exploited.

As he held his book and read he found himself already planning the next game with his brother. 

And even amusing himself with the thought. Although he would never admit to that.