Strange Potter

"Nicholas." Albus greeted his old mentor when he flooed in.

"Albus." He greeted back. "I understand that there was an incident with my stone."

"Voldemort made a play for it. He was possessing one of my professors. Luckily the protection stopped him from taking it." 

"Good. And how are the students that were involved?"

"All in good health. Mr. Potter stopped Quirrell and managed to banish Voldemort back out into the night."

"That's good to hear. The other boy?"

"Unharmed, fortunately."

"I think we both know they were both lucky there. Now we have a different matter to address don't we?"

"Yes, the stone itself. I fear he will keep trying to take it."

"A reasonable belief." Nicholas nodded with a sigh. "Six centuries of life. It's not as glamorous as he would believe. Watching all but the one you love most leave you is difficult."

"Unfortunately love is something he knows nothing about. Eternal life would benefit his only goal. To rule."

"Are you proposing that I destroy the stone?"

"It is your property old friend, whatever you decide I will support you. I just wish for you to be aware that he will keep trying to do it."

"It's not the first time Perenelle and I have discussed destroying the stone. We both have seen and lived longer than people should."

"I won't lie to you my old friend. I don't want you to do it." Albus said with his heart. "I still value your friendship."

"Fortunately I have some time to think on this. I have recently received an offer to work on a new potion with an ingredient not found in this world. I must admit I am very curious about the possibilities."

Dumbledore knew full well who the offer came from. "Mr. Potter did say he would find someone else. Pardon my surprise that he contacted you."

"He didn't. Dr. Strange did." Nicholas smiled. "I will think about your idea about the stone after I have my meeting with Mr. Potter. If nothing else I wish to apologize that he was dragged into this."

"Understandable." Dumbledore wanted to press further but he didn't. Instead, he reached into his pocket and put the stone on the table. "Here you are."

"Albus...You still have so much to learn." Nicholas said cheerfully as he picked it up.

Dumbledore's confusion was replaced with shock as Nicholas crushed the stone in his hand. The truth was clear. "It wasn't the real stone..."

"Of course not." The older man dusted his hands. "But I needed everyone to believe it was while I was hiding the real one in the most secure way I could."

"Even me?"

"Especially you, my former pupil."

"Did you not trust me?"

"The exact opposite my boy. Everyone knows I have great trust in you. I used that to my advantage. Even Dr. Strange believes you had the real one." Nicholas grinned. 

Dumbledore had to give a soft chuckle at that. "You are right. I do still have some things to learn."

"Don't fret too much about it Albus. Six hundred years of life does give you some good underhanded tricks."

"That's something I'll have to take your word for. I have no desire to see that age." He chuckled.

"It certainly isn't for everyone." Nicholas laughed.

"It's good to be back home." Harry flopped on his bed. 

They were back in the states in the cabin. 

"Glad you are, but you know we need to talk." Sirius sat on the bed.

"Crap....."

"Don't start. You know I have to say something about you running headlong into a trap-filled corridor and getting hit with an unforgivable." He had been waiting until they were home. 

"I had to help Neville!"

"Not alone you didn't." Sirius was in full parent mode. "Harry I am proud of what you did, but did you think what would have happened if he would have gotten the jump on you? What he could have done to both of you?"

Harry lowered his head. "I wanted to prove myself..."

"Harry I'm not trying to growl at you."

"It feels like it..."

"You could have been hurt. I know you're powerful, terrifyingly, but you can't run off like that. Not when you have options and I never wanted you to have to kill...even with that prophecy I didn't want it. If you had to, and I mean if I wanted it to be so you wouldn't have to worry about it for years. I know it's getting to you."

"I...I didn't even think. I pick the first spell I could and fired. It wasn't until after that I realized what I did." He whispered the last part.

"Hey." Sirius moved in front of him and lifted his head. "Feeling what you're feeling is normal. I can't say it will go away, but it gets more tolerable to deal with. With time. That old saying that 'time heals all wounds' is dragonshit. It gets better but it will still be there. If you ever become numb to it. That's when you need to worry."

"Mum said something similar." Harry had a thin smile.

"She is an expert in the field." Sirius agreed with a slight grin of his own.

"I feel like what I can do is meant to be more." Harry tried to explain. "I shouldn't have this magic. It should have killed me when it joined but it didn't. I...I just want use it for good."

"You do. Harry, you have the power to rule the whole world if you wanted to, but here you are healing birds and fighting murderers. You are going to do great things. I know it. Not Riddle-like but true good." 

"Okay." Harry relented. "I promise if I'm in a situation like that again I'll get Wanda to help."

"Good." Sirius pulled him close. "I just want you to know that you're not alone. Even if you can do something doesn't mean you should do it on your own."

"Exactly." 

Both of them looked up to see Wanda leaning against the doorway with crossed arms.

"I'll let you two talk." Sirius stood and gave him a knowing smirk.

"Traitor!" Harry called as the man left.

"So...getting tortured is handling it?" She kept her face neutral but glinted in her eyes.

"Wanda..." Harry groaned and laid back on the bed.

He felt the bed shift as she lay down next to him. 

"I'm fine."

"I didn't ask." 

"You were going to."

"Was I now?" She smirked. "I know you're a very hard-headed boy so some spell wouldn't put you down for long."

Harry smiled at that but turned to her. "I should have told you to come."

"Why didn't you?" She turned to face him.

"I...I really thought I could handle it. I just wanted to prove I could."

"And you had to take a life." She had no judgment in her voice. "Do you understand that was something none of us wanted for you to experience?"

"Yeah...I...I still see his...body." Harry hated that he probably always would.

"Harry." Her voice made him look up. "Remember." She held up her glowing hand. "We always have each other's back. No matter what, together."

Harry held up his glowing one smiling back. "Always." 

Michael Zabini was an intimidating man. He was tall and had taken a passing interest in different forms of muggle exercise. Unlike most wizards, he enjoyed staying in shape. It was beneficial in the event of having to dodge spells and curses. 

Plus the ability to intimidate others with just his presence was something he did enjoy. It was one of the reasons he had been able to avoid choosing a side in the last war. Something that may be impossible to avoid in the future. He didn't fully believe Dumbledore that the dark lord was still alive, but he didn't disbelieve it either. 

His son's closeness with Potter was setting both of them and the family with difficult but possibly better options if the dark times were to return. 

That trouble him in honesty. He was the head of the family. He was the one whose head should be on the line, not Blaise. It was his duty to protect him. But Blaise saw an opportunity and took it. He blamed himself that he felt pride in the boy. He truly had taught him well.

"Blaise. How were your exams?" He started small before going to the bigger questions.

"I'm certain I did well in all my classes. Even with the Defense canceled."

"Yes, I imagine the professor passing would complicate that." Having a friend who works in the Ministry and likes to talk comes in handy. "How much of that did you hear?"

"Only what the Headmaster told us. Harry was less open with it. He wasn't sure what Director Bones would allow him to say."

"She is a strict one but I do admit she is very good at her job." Now to the main point. "I would tell you to be careful with Potter but I feel that has probably been something you have heard too much of."

"Yes." Blaise gave a rare smile. "I'm more worried about Malfoy."

That made Michael's eyes grow a little darker. "Has he attempted anything?"

"Only threats. He is not as powerful as he believes himself to be. Plus Snape is not forgiving of infighting."

"Of course. How can Slytherins survive among others if we destroy ourselves? The man understands that."

"I will be careful father, but this 'friendship' with Harry is unexpected. I am enjoying it. He is very different from what you would expect. He's a Gryffindor no question but the way he handles himself varies depending on the situation."

"Oh?"

"Say he is dealing with Malfoy. He knows exactly where to press him to the breaking point and it is as if he knows what Draco will do. He is never the first to act. He waits until Malfoy strikes."

"Very Slytherin."

"Professor Snape is another one. Harry is always calm and collected. Even when Snape is trying to get a rise out of him he never falls for it. And despite their dislike for each other Harry has even used Snape's knowledge to his gain."

"This God's flowers?"

"Yes. I don't know how it will go but I will keep an eye on it."

"And what of the Headmaster?"

"That is another matter altogether. Harry hasn't told me the whole story, but I can safely say he is not an ally of Dumbledore. But I wouldn't call him an enemy. Yet."

"Interesting, but I think we discussed this enough for one night." The Boy Who Lived not being a proud member of team Dumbledore was a surprise but a welcome one.

Blaise took the cue to leave but stopped at the door. "Father. Have you ever heard of a company called Stark Industries?"

Michael raised his eyebrow. "I have seen the market rise and fall with some of their dealings. Why?"

"I think you might want to invest in them. A little bird told me some interesting things."

Now Michael was intrigued. A child was not a good business advisor but this was his son. Again he raised him well.

"I'm listening."

"Harry. We need to talk." Stephen said as he stepped into the house.

The boy groaned. "Are you here to tell me I was wrong too?"

"I can't imagine that I can say anything that the others haven't already." Stephen dismissed. "Come with me."

Harry hopped up and followed. "Where are we going?"

"My study. I have some news for you."

The two went to the Sanctum and Stranges personal study.

Stephen sat and pulled out a small pile of ashes. 

"What's that?"

"It was one of his anchors." Strange grinned.

"You got another one!" Harry almost cheered.

"As you were going after Neville I was going after this. It was an interesting time."

"So how many are left?"

"Currently two." 

"So he's almost gone?" Harry looked very pleased.

"We are closer but as you know he's still not gone yet."

"At least he's not in a body."

"Thanks to your actions. But seriously think things through in the future." Strange gave him a look that made him feel very small.

"I know."

"Good." Strange put the ashes away. "Now for something you brought up."

Harry looked confused but it vanished when an older man came in. "You're Nicholas Flamel."

"Good observational skills." Nicholas smiled. "I understand you were instrumental in preventing the loss of my stone."

"Well...not really sir," Harry said honestly. "I didn't try to save it. Just my friend."

Nicholas studied the child before smirking. "I always appreciate it when someone is honest with me."

"One thing I can assure you, Nicholas, you will always get honesty from this young man."

"You don't count. You always know if I'm not." Harry said but had a grin on his face.

Stephen smirked at that. "I told Nicholas here about your idea for the potion."

"I am most interested Mr. Potter. A plant not found on earth. How could I resist?"

"Well, we kinda have a limited number of them."

"Do we?" Strange opened a portal. "Follow me."

The three stepped through and were hit with a wave of heat. 

It was a desert area. Nevada if Harry had to take a guess.

"Here?" He asked Stephen.

"Well, you happen to know someone who can purchase a few hundred acres with ease." A new voice said.

One Harry immediately knew.

Tony was sitting under an umbrella in a full suit, minus the mask while eating a donut. "Property is cheap here luckily. Not that is a concern for me."

"Thanks, Tony! This is going to be great. Have I told you how awesome you are?"

"I know, but please keep doing it."

"A desert? Not the best place for plant growth." Nicholas wiped his brow. 

"Not at the moment." 

The ground began to shake and walls started forming around them. Nicholas was startled obviously.

"Don't worry," Harry reassured. "This is just a friend."

Soon a large build materialized over them and the whole atmosphere changed. It was no longer hot but a perfect degree of comfort. The whole roof was clear letting sunlight in and had long pipes over it that was a sprinkler system.

Harry looked at the football stadium-size greenhouse. "Wicked."

"Glad you like it." Wanda floated down. "It is not easy to transfigure an entire field to match Asgardian soil."

"Except for you." Harry chuckled. Us

"Except for me." She agreed. Us.

"This is truly extraordinary." Nicholas examined the place. "I will begin testing immediately when I have a sample."

"Here you go." Stephen pulled out a pot with a single flower growing. "Compliments of a god."

"This will be a new adventure."

"Welcome to dealing with Harry Potter and Stephen Strange," Tony said as he took a sip of the slushy he brought with him.

International Council of Wizards

Albus sat in his spot. The murmurs from all the members were not uncommon but the topic was. None of them knew why Dr. Strange had called for this assembly.

He was still divided on the treaty. It would be more helpful to him and the world, to ensure that Tom was stopped and no longer have Strange conflicting with him.

But there were risks. Without the treaty, Strange had no obligation to keep the Statute. Fudge argued that he would never remove the magic, saying it would cause too much chaos for the world. Dumbledore was not as convinced.  Strange was still an unknown in many ways. 

Not knowing how he'll react is frustrating. Reading people and gauging them was a skill. One I'm pleased to say I have a lot of time and practice in. The doctor is, unfortunately, very difficult to read.

Fudge was still trying to get enough votes. If he succeeded it would only be by a small amount. But this meeting Strange had 'requested' was making those who agreed to the vote uneasy.

Right at the hour, the meeting was to begin Stranges portal opened in the middle of the room and the Supreme stepped out.

"Dr. Strange." The Supreme Mugwump greeted him. "Very punctual."

"I try to be." Stephen could almost feel the eyes on him. Some curious and some with anger. "Is everyone here?"

"All accounted for. Many are asking the same question. One none of us can answer. You requested this assembly so I hope you will shed some light."

"I'll get straight to the point. I asked all of you here to learn of development with Lycanthropy."

"Development?" The French representative asked. "Dr. Strange has your group been working with werewolves?"

"Yes."

Several more murmurs started.

"This must be a big announcement for all of us to be called." Someone spoke.

Stephen grinned. "Allow me to show you." 

A portal opened and soon Bruce, Tony, Sirius, and Remus were walking in.

Dumbledore immediately recognized Remus and a million questions were racing through his head. What is he doing here?

"Ladies and gentlemen. I would like to present to you Remus Lupin. A man was bitten by Fenris Greyback when he was four years old."

"You bring a werewolf here?!"

"No," Stephen smirked.

"You just said..."

"Wow, you're loud," Tony spoke as he interrupted the man as he looked around. "There are a lot of robes here...seriously it's like looking at one of those depressing paintings in overpriced museums."

"Who are you to speak to us that way?!"

"Tony Stark and that was me being kind."

"Tony." Bruce rubbed his face. There were a lot of people here and he was hoping not to antagonize them. For their sake.

"I'll explain fully." Stephen got in front of the growing argument. "As I said Mr. Lupin here was infected as a child. I am happy to report that is no longer the case."

Those words changed the atmosphere of the whole room.

"Got it!" Sirius chuckled as his phone recorded all their reactions. Once he wasn't a fan but now...he would admit they have their uses.

"I have it on HD." Tony mused. "I'll send the video."

"Brilliant."

"Dr. Strange...are you saying you have found a cure to Lycanthropy?" The Mugwump had to hear him say it.

"Not me." Stephen motioned to Tony and Bruce. "Them."

"It was mostly him." Tony pointed to Bruce. "But then again I do own the lab, and the chemicals, and the supercomputer that ran the test in hours that would have taken..."

"I think they get it, Tony." Bruce stopped him.

"Who are you?"

"My name is Dr.Bruce Banner. Ten years ago Dr. Strange came to us with Remus here. With a lot of trial and error, we synthesized the compound to counteract the transformation."

"All without the ability to wave sticks around and change rats into boxes." Tony smiled smugly.

"No muggle can cure a magical curse!"

"Once I would have agreed," Sirius mumbled.

"That's true," Bruce said. "That was one of the issues we started with. The curse to change wasn't something we could fix, but the root of the change was a disease. So instead of trying to cure the curse, we focused on the disease." He looked at Tony. "Show them."

Tony hit his glasses and the feed from the lab began to play over them.

"What magic is this?!"

"Science. You might benefit from learning about it."

"Everyone please remain quiet and watch," Strange said.

"Good luck with that lasting. Probably better to take away their voices." Sirius suggested but Stephen's glare told him to shut it.

The feed showed Remus on the table. The transformation then the administration of the cure. The whole assembly went dead quiet at the sight of Remus changing back.

"That was Christmas. Since Mr. Lupin has not undergone a single transformation. All test reports the disease is gone." Strange could have whispered it was that quiet. "I give you the first werewolf to be cured."

"International celebrity soon." Sirius patted Remus's shoulder.

"Padfoot..." The other man rubbed his head.

"This...this is extraordinary!" One of the older gentlemen spoke. "It is life-changing!"

"Remus. I am truly happy for you. I agree heartedly with this news." Dumbledore spoke as the news sank in. "Dr. Banner how long until this treatment is widely available?" Taking away a dangerous ally to Tom was a huge boon to the future war.

"I'm already working on mass production. Former Wolfe here's cured blood has helped eliminate the need for it to be administered during transformation." Tony said. "All reports should be ready within the next few months. Give or take a week or two."

"My organization will handle the distribution of the cure. Since the treaty also makes it my responsibility with my involvement. Every hospital in all the magical world will be provided with access to the treatment when available." Stephen said.

"What will be the price?" Someone asked. 

"No cost to any of you. We have reached an agreement with Mr. Stark that will cover the distribution and production. All the expenses are my responsibility." Stephen answered. 

That was true, but not just from him. When Harry found out about the cure he used his ability to create a small fortune in gold and gave it to Tony. It more than covered the expenses.

Albus couldn't help it. He was impressed with Strange. With one movement the doctor had completely torn asunder any chance of the treaty being nulled any time soon. 

With his group dispensing the cure to the world no one would vote to remove him. It was a move worth Salazar Slytherin himself. All the nations that were joined to revoke the treaty had no choice but to shelf that idea for the foreseeable future. Possibly forever.

Remus...my boy. I've never seen you so peaceful. I truly am happy for you. Even if this does complicate the werewolves. Tom used them to do such horrors. Now, this will take away one of his most dangerous advantages but I fear for those that will see this as a reason to escalate. Greyback will be out for blood now. 

Still, this is one aspect I can't help but feel grateful to you Strange. I don't believe I would be willing to vote on the treaty either after this. I have to find another way to get some control though. Still too much is at stake.

The assembly broke to return to their respective countries to give their Ministers the news. Albus however went to Sirius and Remus.

"Remus for the first time in a long time I am almost at a loss for words. This is wonderful news."

"I'm still trying to process it too." 

"I do wish you would have told me sooner." The old wizard said.

Sirius narrowed his eyes but lost it when at Albus's next words.

"If only to give me more time to properly plan a celebration!" Dumbledore had his cheerful demeanor going with an eye twinkle.

"Finally Albus we can agree on something." Sirius laughed. "This does call for a party."

"No Sirius," Remus said.

"Now Remus believes it or not but this is a time where Sirius has the best idea." Dumbledore chuckled.

"See? We agree. That means it is fated. I will begin planning immediately." Sirius smiled.

"Party?" Tony had to get involved. "Stand aside this is my area of expertise."

"You don't want to challenge me on this Tony. You might be a genius but no one matches me for parties."

"Challenged accepted."

"Oh no." Both Remus and Bruce said together. This was not going to end well.

Strange left with a smirk on his face but knew this was just the beginning. He had a minister and his toad to set straight.

Natasha went over all the details of the most recent Avenger scenarios. She was just happy Tony was the one footing the bill for all the collateral damage.

She could hear Sirius and Regulus planning a vacation for the four. That was something she let them sort out, not that she didn't have veto power, but when it came to fun and adventure Sirius was definitely the best choice.

"But dad. Some cool animals are in the far east! I could finally get the perfect pet!"

"Too late." Harry was heard. "Hedwig wins that contest no question."

"Hoot!" The bird was heard.

"Relax you two." You could hear the smile on Sirius's face. "Well three, I was hoping for another tropical trip again."

"Beaches are fun but what about one of the amusement parks?" Harry suggested.

Regulus quickly abandoned his pet idea at that. "Yes! Now we're talking!"

"They're not as exciting as my bike or broom but they do have some ups. Any suggestions?"

When her phone went off she was tempted to ignore it. Unknown numbers often were. Except for her blockers filter out spam. 

"Hello?"

"You're difficult to find."

The redhead knew that voice. "Yelena...."

"So you do remember me."

"I know it's been a long time. I'm sorry for not contacting you."

"Save it. I need...scratch that. I WANT your help."

Natasha sat up straight at that. "What's going on?"

"The Red Room. I found it. I'm going to burn it to the ground. Are you in?"

Every fiber in her body told her to say no. To move on past that. But she couldn't, not this. She looked back at the room with her family as they continued their talk.

"Where?" She whispered.