Strange Potter

"Sirius. I have to go take care of something. I'll be back in a few days."

Sirius looked confused. "What's going on? Something with the Avengers?"

"No. This is personal. An old friend called and I have to go help her."

"Nat? You look pale."

"It's...a long story. You know about my past. This is a part of it. A big part and I need to see it through."

"Hey." He put his hand on her face. "You can tell me."

"I know, but this...this is something I need to do. I need to close this chapter of my life."

"I understand. Are Steve or Clint going to give you backup?"

"Not this time."

"Hey remember when you gave me a chewing out when I left Harry with Hagrid? 'Don't run off with your head in your arse' why does it seem like that's what you're doing?"

"Because you remember so many things you shouldn't." She smiled.

"I did just get done getting on the Harry for doing the same thing..."

"Fine, I admit he gets it from me too." She teased.

"Nat." This was always a weird moment for him. Him trying to be the serious, no pun, one. "What are you up to?"

"Killing my past."

"You can't do that. Just move on from it."

"I have." She said honestly. "But sometimes you have to bury it more than once. This is one of those times."

"I know I don't have the same history as you. Just like I know it still gets to you." He tried. "I also know that sometimes you need to finish things. I can't stop you from doing whatever you're about to but I can beg you to make a promise."

"Say it."

"Come back. The boys, they need you. I need you."

"Nothing will get in my way of that. I promise." She leaned in...

"Hey, mum! Where do you think we should go?!" Regulus ran into the room.

"I'm sure you don't need me to decide. Just remember we are not going back to that resort."

"Come on they had to forget about me by now!"

"Your picture is still on the site. With big letter saying no admission."

"Wow, they hold a grudge." Harry laughed.

She smiled at the two. "Hey I know we just got here but I have to go out for a few days. Make sure these two don't burn down the house for me?" She motioned to Sirius and Regulus.

"No promises. They are a handful." Harry grinned.

"That they are." Nat kissed the top of both the boy's heads and then she turned to Sirius.

She pulled him in and sealed her promise with a deep kiss, before walking out the door and into the night.

Nat was an amazing mum, but she overlooked the fact one of her boys didn't need to be in the room to hear something.

In Astral Harry heard the whole story and peeked into her head. As she got in the car he flew over to the other nearby house. 

She's not doing this alone. Even if she thinks she has to. I'm not losing another mum. 

"Hey, dad. Where's mum going?"

"She had some business to take care of." 

"Avenger business?!" Regulus's face was filled with excitement. She wasn't active but it wouldn't be the first time she had to go out to do something so he wasn't too worried. His mum was a superhero after all.

"Yes and no."

"When will she be back?" Harry asked this time.

"A few days she promised."

"Hmm." He nodded. Already telling Wanda the truth.

"Don't worry about her. She'll be back. She always comes back." Sirius patted both their shoulders. "Come on we can have the whole trip planned before she gets back. Then we can see if you have gotten any better with your charms." He smirked at Regulus.

"Alright." 

Harry looked back at the car as it was driving away.

I'm going to make sure of she comes back Padfoot.

Werewolf No More?!

The whole Daily Prophet article was a record seller. For everyone who lived in fear or was affected by the last wars werewolves were practically dancing in the streets.

It was a moment that would be talked about for decades if not centuries. Stephen Strange had cemented himself in the world like they hadn't expected. 

But not only that he also showed that all the talks about the non-magical world being inferior was hogwash. Two 'muggles' had done what countless potion masters and alchemists failed.

Even those who opposed Strange's involvement had been forced to hold their tongues.

Two people, in particular, were affected by this news more than others.

Fudge still couldn't believe the article. It was a history-making moment and Dr. Strange had played it perfectly.

"This can't be right!" Dolores almost screamed. "This has to be some trick by Strange. There's no way two muggles could produce a cure!"

"Dolores." Fudge sighed. He knew that her plan had gone up in flames with this. "We need to prepare now."

"Prepare! We still need to push for his removal!"

"That is a dead hope now and you know it! Nobody will vote to remove him when he's curing curses!"

She went red at that. It had been so close! Another month and she was sure to get the needed votes! But even if that wouldn't happen now. "Perhaps we can use this then."

That made the minister sit up a little straighter. "How so?"

"Strange has been more involved with us than others. If we support his deployment of the cure and offer full Ministry backing then you can be the Minister who helped cure countless affected 'people'."

She loathed calling them people. Even cured they were still beasts to her, but you work with what you have.

"That...that is a fantastic idea! Contact St Mungo's at once and give them any support we can. I want the next article in the Prophet to be all about our resolve to help all those affected with lycanthropy."

"We also need to get a better grip on the Prophet as well." 

It was true that the paper should be under stricter control. Ever since the last main editor was discovered to be a Voldemort supporter the paper had become too loose in her eyes.

The ministry knew what the people needed to hear and above all else. What they didn't.

"I'm sure you can handle that. I have to work on finding a way to remove the budget from the Non-Magical Protection Act."

"We simply need to repeal that ludicrous law." She said. "I'm sure Lucius would be more than happy to help support its removal."

"He has mentioned it but I can't say we're going to get enough support. Unlike Strange, this was passed with very little resistance."

"It was made out of fear. Some minor protection is understandable but the law went way too far." She didn't believe any protection was necessary. Muggles could all die for she cared. Nothing but animals along with their mudblood children.

"I'll talk to him later." Fudge said. Those who called Lucius a follower of the dark lord we ridiculous. The man was a pinnacle of the community. "We are having dinner this weekend."

"Always good to have upstanding members of society around." She agreed. "I'll begin talks with the Prophet, with your approval of course."

Fudge nodded in agreement, but when the doors opened all the color on his face drained out.

"Minister." Stephen greeted. "Madam." He nodded to Umbridge. "I'm glad I was able to 'catch' both of you at the same time."

"Dr. Strange. A welcome surprise." Fudge said. "But then again you are just full of surprises recently." He tried to joke.

Stephen picked up the paper. "I see the news is out."

"History-making!" Fudge bolstered. "This is a moment for the books."

"I'm glad you are so enthusiastic about it. I have already spoken to the orderly at St. Mungos. When the cure is available they are already planning a whole wing to the admission."

"Fantastic news!" Fudge smiled. "Is there anything you need of me or my administration? I will be happy to assist."

"As a matter of fact." Strange grinned. "I was hoping you might be able to shed some light on a rumor I overheard."

"Rumor?" Umbridge said sweetly. "Surely you have far more important things to do than listen to rumors dearie."

"When they involve me I tend to listen."

"If it's in my knowledge I will be happy to tell you whatever you wish."

"I'm glad to hear that. It seems that talks were going around the ICW calling for a vote to remove the treaty between us." He gave them some credit. They didn’t fall over at hearing him say that. "Of course getting a straight answer from Albus is like getting blood from a stone."

"I can tell you that the talks in the ICW are not my field of expertise. That is handled by Dumbledore. He didn't mention any vote in our last talks though."

It was true. Umbridge had been the one to discuss them. Dumbledore was not as optimistic about it. Now Fudge was beginning to understand why. He only hoped that Strange didn't learn of his involvement.

"Well, it's just a rumor anyway," Strange said. "A rather shortsighted one. I mean you would have to be a complete fool to risk the Statute like that." His eyes tore into Fudge.

The minister felt like he should be running away right now. 

Stephen saw the look and gave the man a nonconforming grin then stopped his gaze right on Umbridge. "It's a shame all the work someone did in the hope to remove me. To see all of that go up in flames and never have a clue it was coming. I hope they learn something from this."

Dolores went a combination of pale and red at his word. 

"Perhaps that they are not as clever as they believe? Or don't play games out of their league."

It was taking everything she had to stop from exploding at him. Who did this man think he was talking to?!

"One should always be careful what they plan. You never know who is watching or listening." Stephen had a dark glint in his eyes. "And I'm always listening. Next time I might not take the diplomatic approach. I will just let the vote come and if I'm voted out then I will leave. While taking the whole Statute of Secrecy with me."

A cold shiver went down the two politician's spines and Strange calmly walked out the door.

"And you should know, I don't bluff." He turned back to the two before leaving.

Fudge was now more terrified than when the Dark Lord was tormenting them.

Umbridge was furious. She had enough of that man!

"Minister..."

"Dolores leave me." Fudge ordered. "I need to think."

A very irate plump woman in pink marched back to her office. She was going to make Strange pay one way or another!

Three days of search and three days of very awkward conversation with Yelena and they were finally there.

That was after nearly shooting each other and her having to listen to the younger girl's sassy attitude for the whole trip. She did miss her, but she was becoming a bit too much as well. She didn't know when to shut up. 

Probably why she likes her so much.

Of course, nothing went according to plan. The other Widows were all under his control. Making the infiltration a lot more difficult.

"I should have brought Wanda..."

"Not a fan. Her mind tricks make me uncomfortable." Yelena said. "But I wouldn't have minded if you brought the Cap."

"Steve? Really?"

"What? He has a nice smile."

"Great ass too," Nat smirked.

"I noticed." The younger sister grinned. "Is he the one you are hiding?"

"I don't know what you mean."

"The ring tanline."

Natasha looked at her glove but had a smile too. "No Steve and I aren't together."

"So who is it?"

"Not something to talk about now."

"I thought we were talking like grown-ups?"

"Is that what we are?" Nat teased back.

Yelena smiled at that. "Later is going to have a lot of air to clear." She straightened out her vest.

"I do like the vest."

"I knew it. It's great right?" Yelena showed genuine interest. "So many pockets."

"Pack anything useful in them?"

"C4 and bullets. Plus a snack bar."

"Not surprising at all."

Later didn't come as they were led into a trap.

Inside they had encountered their sisters. Yelena was very reluctant not to just kill them. She understood they were under control but it was coming down to them or these slaves.

The infighting was ferocious. All trained the same way. All killers to the core.

Numbers eventually got the better of the two as it was soon three against one.

Nat spun around taking one of their legs out. Yelena grabbed her hand and the two went in tandem with punches and flying kicks as the others attacked.

Another group moved in surrounding them. Yelena pulled her gun and aimed.

"Stop," Nat said. "Don't." As she lowered her own to the ground.

Yelena reluctantly lowered her gun. The other Widows took it and disarmed them. 

"Great plan dipshit," Yelena growled.

"Typical annoying little sister."

"I thought you were the best?"

"I'm retired."

"It shows."

They were taken deeper into the facility still arguing the whole way.

"Remus. We can have it at my house." Sirius argued.

"We don't need to have a party."

"You are a celebrity now." 

"Not one I want to be."

"Welcome to the club." Harry came down the steps. "I'm working on T-shirts."

"Very funny."

"I try."

"Stick to magic," Regulus suggested. "I'm the funny one."

"Funny looking." Harry snapped his fingers.

Regulus looked down and saw he was wearing a clown suit!

"You...Change me back!!"

"I don't know if the nose and face paint suits you."

"Dad!!!"

"Fine." Harry snapped again.

Regulus saw all the clothes and paint were gone. "Prat!"

"Hey, you left a spider in my bed!"

"It wasn't a deadly one!"

"Next time I put one in your underpants."

"Stop you two. Reg no animals or spiders next time." Sirius said. "Harry doesn't transform him into anything else. Even a clown."

The boys had a temporary truce formed. For now.

"Where is Aunt Wanda anyway?" 

"She said she had something to go help with," Remus answered.

"That sounds familiar."

You have no idea Padfoot.

"Speaking of Wanda... you know a great way to celebrate could involve a certain small piece of jewelry. Usually worn on a finger..."

"Stop." 

"Come on, you have no reason now."

Remus ran his hand down his face. Sirius had been pushing for years now. Wanda was an angel. She didn't pressure or ask. Still, he was now free of the curse. It might be truly time to give her the sitcom family she had dreamed about. Or as close as he could.

But the thought of children still frightens him. Even cured he couldn't be sure that he might not pass it on to them...

In the main room, Natasha finally saw him. Years ago she burned that ugly face into her memory. She swore he would die. Today she got a chance to keep her promise.

"Ladies." Dreykov sat at the desk. "Welcome home."

Yelena moved. Even with her hands bound and outnumbered she had this chance. 

Two of the Widows were down before she flipped her hands under her legs and move to strangle Dreykov.

But she couldn't. She froze.

"Something the wrong my dear?" He smirked.

She growled as she tried to move. 

"You didn't think I would let a weapon out without a proper safety did you?"

"I'm not your weapon!"

"You are. That's all you ever were." He stood. "That's why I knew you would come back. After I let you find this place."

She narrowed her eyes in anger.

"You didn't think you were smart enough to find it alone did you? No, I wanted you to come here." He moved to Natasha. "And to bring her with you."

Natasha hissed as she fought her blocker. She couldn't touch him either. 

"I'm very disappointed in you. You were one of my favorites." Dreykov said. "Then you killed my daughter." His vision went dark at the memory. 

"It was only supposed to be you."

"You truly do not appreciate what I have done." The stocky man moved unafraid. "Look at them. These girls were trash, they are thrown out into the street. I recycle the trash, and I give them purpose. I give them a life."

"No, you took it away." Yelena tried to move again. 

"Ungrateful. You were all nothing before I made you. Look at you." He was right in Natasha's face. "World hero. Avenger. On magazines. Television. All of that is because of me. Then you disappeared. I knew one day you would seek me out. So put out the feeler. Hook it just like I thought." He grinned at Yelena. "Stupid."

"Wow. Somehow your breath is even fouler than the rest of you." Nat scuffed.

The others loaded the contents of her person on the desk. The mirror was the odd thing.

He picked up the mirror. "Like any woman. Obsessed with self appearance." It then began to get hot in his hand. 

Nat saw it and sighed. "Can you answer that? It's just going to keep going until you do."

That only added more confusion to the man but then a face appeared in the mirror.

"Mum!! Where did you put my bow! Uncle Clint wants to take me shooting this weekend and I need to practice!"

"I thought I told you not to call me at work kiddo?" 

"This is an emergency! When are you coming home anyway?"

Natasha shook her head and looked at her 'captures'. "Kids. Everything is an emergency. I'll call you back in a few minutes."

"Mum!" 

The mirror shut off.

"What? Interesting." 

"Don't think too hard on it. You will never see him again. None of you will."

"A child? You wasted all of your potentials." He assumed she adopted. "It's a shame I'll have to see one of my girls to remove him as well."

That made Natasha's face lose all humor. 

"Oh did I hit the right spot?" He smirked. "Such a weakness."

He kept pushing but she didn't respond to his words.

"I'm going to make her do it." He motioned to Yelena. "Once she returns with his body. Then I will let you die."

"25 seconds." That was all she said.

"What?"

"That's how long you have to live."

"More talk. You have nothing. No Avengers. No friends. You came here alone and you will die alone."

Suddenly the whole facility came to life. Alarms and sirens began to sound. The monitors showed someone tearing through the front entrance.

"I'm not alone." Natasha showed her hands were free of the cuffs. They dissolved around her.

Dreykov was frozen. None of the women could move as red encompassed them.

"You were foolish." Wanda appeared through a portal.

"Harry told you?" She already knew the answer.

"He did. A bit of a hypocrite aren't you?"

"I had it under control." She scuffed as she moved to the man who created her. "I don't do personal when it comes to what I have done. It was always just a mission, but you...I'm making an exception." Wanda had already blocked her nostrils from that sent.

She spun the man's head around and the sound of bones breaking was heard. 

All the other girls fell to the ground. His hold dead with him.

Yelena watched. She was expecting the sight of his death to fill her with relief, but she just felt empty.

"Are they okay?" Natasha motioned to the rest.

"They are free of his hold. Okay is a relative term." Wanda answered. "Hopefully they can recover in time."

"Hopefully." Natasha helped Yelena up. "Are you okay?"

"Fine." She kept staring at the lifeless body. It was supposed to feel different.

All three turned to the door as more gunfire was heard and the sounds of metal slamming rang out too.

Wanda moved to the door, spells ready as Nat and Yelena grabbed their weapons.

The door burst open with three of the guards flying into the room. All unconscious.

"I thought you retired?" Steve leaned against the wall as he peaked in.

"She doesn't know how." A familiar voice said then he landed in the room. "Seriously you called Cap but not me?" Tony's mask went back. "I am beginning to think we're not friends."

"You're loud. This was something personal and I need it to be quiet." She answered. "But it's good to see you both."

"Next wait until I'm in position." Steve had the calm smile that he always wore. "I'm not having Harry and Reg mad at me because I couldn't safe your skin."

"Makes up for all the time I saved yours." Nat smiled back.

"And all the times I saved both of you," Tony said. "I have a transport coming for the rest of them." He motioned to the other Widows. 

"Good. I'll be along to help you. After." 

They understood and began packing up the site.

There was a silence as Nat put her hand on Yelena's shoulder. The blonde didn't move.

"It's over."

"It's over."

"I thought it would be bigger." She confessed.

"Me too."

"Tell me it felt good to do it." She had a hint of despair in her eyes.

"It felt like a relief. Not good just freeing."

Yelena nodded. It was something. "You couldn't tell me that 'Nice Ass' was coming?"

"And ruin the surprise?"

Yelena laughed at that. 

More footsteps were heard running down the hall. Steve raised his shield when Tony aimed his hand.

"Relax guys." Natasha knew the sound of the voices.

Red Guardian and Melina Vostokoff came in fully ready.

"Oh...did we miss the fun?" The old super soldier asked.

Natasha smiled. This was one unusual family.

"Wait." Alexei locked eyes with Steve and grinned. "Finally."

"No, you can't find out who is stronger." Natasha cut off the man from asking.

"But..."

"Are the girls alright?" Melina asked.

"Yes," Wanda answered. 

"We'll go with them," Melina said. "Are you two coming?"

"Not yet. We'll catch up." Yelena said. "You couldn't tell me the plan was to be bait?"

"You didn't ask. Besides, while Alexei and Melina were distracting the rest Steve had his opening,  but I didn't count on Wanda."

"You should." The other redhead smirked. She's fine Harry.

Good. Tell her to come home soon.

"Harry said you need to get home soon."

"Can they not manage for a few days?" Natasha sighed.

"You know the answer."

"Come one." Natasha pulled Yelena. "There are some people I want you to meet."

"Time for me to meet the mysterious man?"

"That's a good way to describe Sirius."

"Sirius?" Yelena stopped. "That has to be a false name."

"It's not."

"Seriously?"

"He most certainly is."

Harry carefully portaled to Nevilles' house.

"Hey, Harry." Frank barely looked up from his paper. After many years of seeing Harry do that.

"Hey, Frank. How did he take the news?"

Frank lowered the paper. "Not as bad as I feared. Still, I wish it wasn't necessary."

"Tom did try to kill both of us. He would have just kept asking why."

"I know. I truly hope that Stephen is right. That it isn't for either of you."

"Just a bunch of vague words Frank. I'm not letting it bother me."

"You have a massive advantage that Neville doesn't."

"True but he has something too. Me."

Frank smiled at that. These two were brothers in all but blood. Every day he was thankful he got to see them like this. Sometimes he still had the nightmare about that night. That wicked woman's laughter as she tortured them...

"Harry." Neville came into the room. "Come on we need to get to the shop!"

"What's the hurry?"

"I need to practice! If that dark bast..."

"Neville." Frank interrupted.

"Sorry, dad. Well if he is bent on killing us then I need to be as prepared as I can."

"Alright let's go."

"Hold up. I'll take you both." Frank stood. "Need to get to the Ministry for my shift anyway."

Harry hated to floo so they decided to hoop a side Apparition. He would prefer just to portal but Diagon Alley was way too populated for that.

"Harry! Neville!" 

Both turned a saw their female best friend running towards them.

A hug between them both was mandatory by now. Not that any of them minded.

"What are you guys doing here?"

"Same as you probably. Going to the Emporium to practice."

"That's exactly where we're going. Come on!"

Hermione grabbed both their hands and dragged them towards the Black Emporium.

Richard and Jean followed behind them.

The Grangers had become frequent customers at the store so Alice wasn't surprised when Hermione came running in with both the boys.

"Hermione." She greeted.

"Hi, Alice." She said quickly and ran downstairs.

"She is a bullet train when she wants to be." 

"You have no idea," Richard said as Jean came in.

"I have to agree with him." Harry smiled. "We live with her most of the year too so believe us when I say she is rather calm right now."

"True." Neville laughed.

"Can you handle everything from here?" Frank grinned at his wife.

"Go." She motioned to the door.

Frank said his goodbyes and left.

"I'd better get down there before she runs back up for us," Jean said.

"So how is the store going?" Harry picked up one of the cellphones that Sirius had begun selling. 

"Good as usual, but if you two could tell your classmates that I can't get any Stark tech on the shelves it would be appreciated."

"We did mum." Neville said."They still are obsessed with it."

"Well, I can't blame them," Richard said. "I would want some for myself if I had the opportunity."

"I bet I could get Tony to ship some stuff here." Harry offered.

"That would be a big seller for sure but then the demand would probably surpass the supply."

"That would just get Tony to send more," Harry said. 

"Harry! Neville comes here!!" Hermione was heard down below. "Dad too!"

"I'm last?" Richard pretended to pout.

"Don't take it personally." Harry laughed.

Downstairs was a larger basement than the whole building. It had multiple rooms and long ranges for spell works.

It also had a room full of emergency potions depending on the situation along with a floo to 

Hermione was showing the feather float through the air as Jean watched.

Suddenly another feather intercepted it.

"En garde." Harry had his wand out.

Hermione glared but was laughing as the two engaged in a ridiculous fight above the adults.

"You two are so cute." 

Harry saw Tonks off to the side smirking at them. Both stop and ignored the slight pink on their cheeks.

"Hey, Dora." Neville waved. "What are you doing here?"

"You know me. I like to pop in and make sure nobody burns down Uncle Sirs' business."

"He hates that nickname." Harry chuckled.

"I know."

"Well, I could call you N.."

"Don't even try it!"

Harry stopped still grinning but remembered the others might not know who she was. "Hermione this is my cousin Tonks. Dora this is my friend Hermione and her parents, Richard and Jean."

"So you're the one who can change your appearance? This is so fascinating. I read about Metamorphmagus after they told me." Hermione began to ramble.

Tonks grinned and demonstrated by warping her face around. 

Richard and Jean both looked startled but the kid's laughter put them at some ease.

"Can everyone do that?" Jean asked.

"No. I was born with this. It's very rare. Did great at helping me get into the Aurors. I got top marks in Concealment and Disguise during training without any study at all, it was great." Tonks said proudly.

"I bet," Neville said.

"Still can't walk and chew bubblegum at the same time." Harry joked.

Her hair went red at that.

"Hey you know it's true." 

She grabbed him and began rubbing his head. "Smart ass..."

"Hey!!"

If Richard and Jean weren't here he would stop her easily and Tonks knew it so she took full advantage of the situation.

"Alright." Alice laughed. "Let him go, Dora."

With great reluctance she did. Harry straightened out his hair and gave her a look that said 'this isn't over. Both then grinned at each other.

It was nice having Dora. She was like a big sister. Annoying sometimes but Harry was sure she felt the same about him occasionally.

Alice told them to follow the rules before going back upstairs to the shop.

The rules were simple. Use spells only shown in school. Nothing dangerous and no casting on each other.

It was a compromise for the lax attitude of the Statute and Age Restrictions.

Each establishment was held liable for any damages done to any of the customers. Too big of a situation and the shop would be closed so Alice keeps a strict eye on the basement.

Sirius had also brought over a smaller individual to maintain some order. 

Kreacher was always watching all the students that came down. Anyone who broke the rules had their wands taken and were tossed out. It was one of the reasons the shop didn't have many incidents. The old elf was very watchful.

Hermione began showing all the different spells that she had learned from the professors.

Neville and Alice were going over some defense and offensive. He was adamant to learn as much as he could. 

Harry didn't feel something right with Hermione. She was showing her parents but not explaining what she was doing. More like she was just going over things. 

"Hey. Something bothering you?" After Richard and Jean were out of earshot.

"No. Nothing."

"You do know I can feel your emotions right? Even if I don't want to."

She sighed. "I...I didn't tell my parents about the stone or anything else after Halloween."

"You're afraid they'll pull you out of Hogwarts."

"Yes. It's just better that they don't know."

"I can't say I agree. I understand, but why the bare minimum on explaining magic to them? I know you are a lot more detailed than this."

"It's different. I'm having a hard time explaining to them everything."

"Have you tried?" He asked carefully. "Or did you just think they wouldn't understand?"

"They don't." She said. "I love them but they'll never really get what I am. I'm a witch.

"Hermione." Harry started. "I love my parents. I wouldn't trade Sirius or Nat for anything but I do wonder sometimes. What would my mum and dad be like? I can do anything but I can't bring back the dead. Just...don't push them away because it's easier. It might be tough to try to connect with them but I know if it were my parents. I would find a way to make it work."

She listened and saw the way he looked. With a glance at her parents, she nodded. "You're right..."

"Don't sound so depressed about it."

That caused a smile to appear. "I'm going to talk to them."

"Good luck."

He pulled Neville back as Hermione went to her parents. He didn't listen in but smiled as she tried to explain what she was doing with her wand and why the movements were important.

Richard and Jean may not fully understand what it all entailed but the fact she was trying was something they were happy about. 

Stephen held the stone examining it. Speak to the dead the book said.

He turned it three-time...

"Still involving yourself in magic you should be more mindful of?"

Her voice brought a small smile to his lips. Standing just past his desk was his old mentor.

"Fiona."

"Talked to Nicholas have you?" She had a slight smile of her own.

"He is an interesting man."

"That is putting it lightly."

"I will admit it is good to see you again."

"You as well Stephen. That surprises me just as much as it does you."

"I'll get straight to the point. Did you know I would find Harry?"

"I knew only of your possibilities, not your set path. I won't lie I did hope you would go down this one."

"So you know how this ends."

"Nothing is set. Not that boy's fate or yours. What I do know it you will both stand together in the end. What side? That is really up to you isn't it."

"I...I don't know if I'm going to make the right choices."

"I think you already have. You and he are tied together now. It's not just the world that will be impacted by his choices."

"On the table, if I made a mistake someone died. Here if I'm wrong..."

"Doubt makes you human Stephen. Have some faith in yourself, but most importantly, have faith in him."

"Are you sure you're still you?" He chuckled.

"People can change Stephen. Even me. Even you."

"Change...that's what I have been doing to the Wizard world for the past decade. Why did you let it get so bad?"

"I did have bigger concerns." She fixed him with a stern look.

"I know..but you pulled Dumbledore's head out of his ass and made him fight."

"I simply told him what he needed to hear. He's not an evil man but his pride always takes over. He could be as good as a man as many believed. If he could learn to listen instead of speaking."

"I want to hit him with a hammer for what he tried to do with Harry."

"I imagine, but you stopped it. That boy owes you a lot."

"He owes me nothing."

"Why did you pick him up? You could have walked away. Focused on your task. Harry would have suffered but he would have been safe. Dumbledore's plan could have possibly worked."

"Only if the Death Eaters were incompetent. The wards might have protected him there but he would have gone to school or left the house. All it would have taken was a little patience and Harry would have been found and probably killed. That protection was underwhelming at best."

"You didn't know that at the time, but you still interfered."

"I couldn't do nothing."

"And that is why I know you're going to make the right decisions. Evil triumphs when good men do nothing. You will never sit idly by and wait."

"So you're saying I'm a good man?" He smiled.

"Don't let it go to your head." She had a sad smile on. "I think it's time for me to go Stephen."

He nodded as he held the stone.

"Make me a promise?" She asked.

"Name it."

"Don't call for me again. You don't need my words anymore."

"I promise." He agreed.

She faded and Stephen let out a sigh. He never thought she would become such an important person to him. 

But she had saved him. Not from the accident but his pride. 

"There's nothing here." Yelena looked around the forest when they arrived at the 'house' that afternoon.

"That's the idea." Natasha whistled. 

A large dog came running out of the wood and tackled her to the ground. Licking her face as Nat gave a weak protest. 

"Bad Padfoot." She pushed him off.

"Woof!!" The dog answered.

"Cute," Yelena said. "I hope you had him neutered."

"I did consider it." 

Padfoot let a small weep at the idea. 

"Alright. You can show her." Natasha told the dog.

Padfoot looked back at the girl and then to Natasha before tilting his head.

"She's family."

Yelena went from confused to shock as the large dog transformed into a man!

"Just a few days?" Sirius teased.

"I told you I would come back."

"You didn't mention bringing a friend, but I do enjoy surprises." Sirius held out his hand. "Sirius Black. I'm not sure how much Nat has told you about me. All of it is probably true, unless it's not flattering then it is complete lies."

"She hasn't told me much. I thought your name was ridiculous." Yelena didn't shake. "Him?" She asked Nat.

"He's more charming than you might think."

"How did you do the dog trick?" 

"It's no trick," Natasha answered. "Sirius here is magical. Literally."

"Part of my charm."

"Like that Wanda woman?" That made Yelena uncomfortable.

"Not quite," Sirius spoke and pulled out his wand. "Normally this is a taboo but family can be told."

Yelena watched as the stick was used to create and change things all around them. She was soon considering shooting the flying harp he turned a tree into.

After the explanation and Yelena now knowing about a whole another world right under her nose, she shook her head at her sister.

"You do get in strange situations."

"You have no idea." 

"How did you two get together?"

"The greatest wingman a guy could have. My infant godson won her heart. I had to work for it." 

"I couldn't make it easy." She teased back.

"Was that the boy in the mirror phone thing?"

"No that was Regulus, the youngest," Natasha answered. "Where is Harry at?"

"Heads up!"

Yelena ducked a went for her sidearm at the loud voice coming from above them. She was more confused than ever at the green-eyed boy floating on a broom?

"I said heads up." Harry landed. "About time you got back...if Wanda hadn't told me..."

"I know." Natasha stopped him and hugged the boy. "I guess it was pointless to try to hide what I was doing from you wasn't it?"

"I was worried."

"Sorry."

He nodded against her then looked at Yelena. "So your sister?"

"Yes." Natasha held his shoulder and put her other arm on Yelena's. "Harry meet Yelena. Yelena Harry."

"Nice to meet you." He offered his hand.

"Same...I think." She shook.

"Are you as wicked of a badass as a mum?"

"Harry."

"I had to ask! She is. That vest is awesome."

Yelena smirked. She like this boy. Even if he is odd.

After another surprise, the cabin appeared out of nowhere. Yelena followed the three in. Which was way bigger inside than it appeared as well.

"Regulus!" Sirius called.

"What?!" 

"Come to the living room. We have a guest."

The boy rolled off his bed and put his wand away. He didn't know if it was someone who knew about magic so he followed the rules.

"Mum! Did you kick butt?!" He asked the second he saw her.

"Did you doubt it?"

"Never." Reg smiled and then saw the younger blonde standing there.

"Hi." She recognized him from the mirror/phone device. She was still trying to figure that out.

"Hello?" He looked at his mum for a clue.

"Reg. This is...my sister."

"What?! I have another aunt! You never told me that!"

Natasha smirked at his statement. "I'm telling you now. We have been distant for a long time and now she's come back. Yelena." She put her hand on Regulus's shoulder. "This is my son. Regulus. Reg this is Yelena. My 'little' sister."

"Who you calling little?"

"Ha." Regulus laughed. "I like her."

Yelena studied the boy. He wasn't like Harry. He was the Black man's boy but had some traits from Natasha. She must have found a woman to carry him, but why does he look like he could be hers?

Sirius that the two still needed to have some words so he said. "Boys help me get everything ready for supper. While these two catches up."

"Tacos!" Regulus said.

"We had those last night."

"So?"

"Come on." 

Nat sat on the couch and waited for Yelena.

"So you had a carrier."

"No...he's mine. From me."

"That's impossible."

"Not always."

"This magic? It can fix us?"

"It was experimental even for them. They can regrow bones and fix the body rather simply but organs...I went through newer treatments and potions. Plural. Even then it wasn't guaranteed. Regulus became my little miracle. Their healer said I wouldn't have another but I didn't care. I had him. Those two..." She looked to the kitchen. 

"I understand," Yelena said quietly but showed a thin smile. "Motherhood suits you. If I knew I wouldn't have called."

"I didn't help just for your call. I needed to see it done."

"And now?"

"I put my gun away and raise them. While keeping an eye on the rest."

"Such a mother."

"You could stay." Nat offered. "I could make some calls and get you a new identity here."

"Thank you but this." She motioned around. "Happy American dream life. Isn't for me."

"I didn't think it would be for me either, but here I am." Happy was a feeling that Yelena didn't getting see that much of Nat. "I love it."

"I'm glad." The younger girl said honestly. "I might visit more in the future."

"You're always welcome here."

"Hey, Aunt Yelena!" Reg came back into the room. "You want to see me fly?"

Yelena looked at Nat in confusion. "He can fly on the broom too?

"Go. You're going to like it."

Yelena did in fact like it. When Harry offered to take her up she almost fight off the gang up when she tried to refuse.

"It's fun isn't it?" Harry asked as they floated.

"I need a parachute." Yelena held on to the boy tightly.

"We're only twenty feet off the ground."

"Falls can be fatal as low as three feet."

"You're not going to fall. Besides if you do you can pull off one of those wicked posses mum does when she lands."

"She's a posser."

Harry laughed at that.

"You are the one she spoke of," Yelena said softly. "The one who she adopted."

"We kinda adopted each other."

"True." She agreed. "She is different. In a good way. Don't tell her I said that."

Yelena found herself liking both Harry and Regulus. Harry was a very polite but funny child.

Regulus was so...free. Nat had indeed done everything she could to give the boy the childhood that was taken from them. He was always playing and happy. 

Natasha is such a mom too. Make them wash their hands and put away their brooms for dinner. A dinner she would be avoiding.

"You can stay for dinner if you want."

"Thank you but I need to go. More family to find." Yelena said. Then surprised Nat by pulling her into a hug. "Take care of those boys...they're alright."

Nathan smiled at that. "I know. Be safe out there."

"I'm always safe."

"You caused an avalanche..."

"One time."

The sister parted and Yelena walked out. But not out of each other's life forever.

Natasha still had to catch up more with the rest of them later. Introducing Sirius to Alexei was going to be interesting, to say the least.

Stephen came into the house the next day.

"Hey, Doc." Harry waved from the table.

"Hey, Cloak." Regulus waved at his cloak. Who waved back.

"Stephen," Natasha said. "Breakfast?"

"No thank you."

"So what's up Doc?" Sirius chuckled.

"Why did I ever show you those old cartoons?" Remus groaned from the side as he lowered the paper.

"They were funny."

"Yet you don't enjoy those classic shows of mine?" Wanda sipped her tea.

"Too corny."

It was a fun family feeling in that house. One Stephen liked to see, but he had a reason for his visit.

"Harry...I have something here that I think you might like." He held out a small stone.

"A rock?"

"This is different." Strange placed it on the table. "The Tales of Beedle the Bard has some things right in its pages."

"Wait a fairy tale?" Remus said. "I didn't expect that from you."

"You might be surprised to find out how many fairy tales have some truth etched in them."

"What does a stone have to do with an old book?" Wanda asked.

"In the pages is the tale of three brothers. Each one received an item belonging to death itself, so some believed, one of the items was a stone. It is said to allow people to converse with loved ones that have passed."

"Really? A rock that can talk to the dead?" Natasha said. "You know what I'm not even going to pretend to be surprised anymore."

"I've read that book," Regulus said. "Are you saying the three Hallows are real?!"

"In a manner of speaking. I don't know if they truly came from death but this stone does have the ability to summon those who have passed on."

"How do you know if it works?" Harry asked.

"I tested it," Strange said honestly. "Someone who changed my life and passed. I used it and I did have a very pleasant conversation with her. Now I want to offer the chance to you. I think I know of a few people you would like to see again."

That had everyone's attention. 

"This...this can let me talk to my parents?" Harry whispered.

"We can see James? Lily?" Sirius asked.

"Yes. I want to make this clear to all of you. This is a one-time thing. I will hide the stone after, but I wanted to offer the opportunity to you first."

Harry looked at the stone and back at his family. "Should I?"

"Duh." Regulus smiled. "Come on Harry no one would pass this up."

"Reg." Natasha motioned him to be silent. "It's up to you Harry."

"I...I will admit I want to but if you don't then I understand." Sirius said.

Harry slowly reached out and picked up the stone.

"Be fast about it. Based on my studies it will not be pleasant to the people you call."

"What do I do?"

'Turn it three times."

Harry turned the stone twice. "Can...can you guys be with me?" 

Sirius put one hand on his shoulder and another on Remus's. Natasha held Harry's other one and Regulus in her other.

The Boy let out a sigh and then turned it the last time.

"Harry?"

The group saw both of them. James and Lily standing there. They were transparent but they were there.

"Mum...Dad...."

"Prongs." Both Sirius and Remus said together.

"Padfoot. Moony." James grinned. "You two got old." He had a smile but there was clear wetness forming in his eyes at the sight of all of them.

"James." Lily's laughed as she saw the happiness on her husband's face. Her emerald eyes went back to Harry. "Harry...my boy. You've gotten so big." Her tears were beginning to slide down.

"Mum...I...I don't know what to say." The boy tried.

"It's okay Harry," Lily reassured. "Just seeing you is a gift."

"Look at you." James looked over him. "I'm looking at a mini-me."

"More handsome," Lily said.

"Of course. He has your eyes." James held her waist. "And already on the team. I can't truly say how proud I am."

"You saw that?"

"We see everything Harry. We're always watching."

"Always with you." 

"I...I...guess I want to say. Thank you. You both gave everything to me...I'm only alive because of what you did."

"I would do it again," Lily said without hesitation. "Seeing you now...it was worth it. Even if I couldn't be the one to raise you just seeing you happy and loved..."

"We chose the right person to take care of you." James looked at his brother. "I knew you had it in you."

"James I'm sorry. Peter..."

"Don't." James interrupted him. "Let's not talk about that man. We all made mistakes there, but you saw what was important and did your duty. While getting a good woman and a great boy." He winked at Regulus. "Hey, Regulus nice to meet you."

"You too...Uncle James?" He looked confused if that was the right title for a man who was dead.

"I like that." James grinned. "Regulus I have a big request for you. Do you think you can make sure you fill your father's head with gray hairs? I would have helped but I'm a little indisposed."

Regulus smiled. "Absolutely."

Sirius had a teary-eyed laugh at that. Are his son and James planning against him? Greatest day ever.

"Natasha thank you." Lily smiled at the woman. "You were there for him when I couldn't be. I...I couldn't have asked for a better woman to raise him."

"It was my pleasure. He...Harry didn't leave any room for negotiation. When those eyes looked at me...I...He stole my heart that day." She hoped Lily wasn't offended by Harry calling her mom.

"I mean it. Thank you for being the mum he needed and for loving him when I wasn't there."

Natasha had a tear of her forming and nodded back at her.

"Harry we don't want to go but I think it's time."

"I love you both so much," Harry said through tears.

"We love you too son." 

"I'm so proud of you. Take care of each other and know we are always with you."

"Moony get your head out of your backside." James winked. Remus knew what he was saying.

They faded away with smiles on their faces.

Harry didn't say anything. He handed the stone back to Strange and gave him a soft, teary-eyed smile. Then hugged his waist tightly.

Stephen Strange wasn't a hugger, but he would make an exception this time. And if anyone ever asked he would adamantly deny the dampness in his own eyes.

Lucius Malfoy had enough.

Years of watching everything he believed being mocked and destroyed by one man had him ready to kill.

Strange had to be stopped.

His ideal that he whispered to Umbridge had gone up in flames. Now Strange hold was even more ironclad.

I have to admire his timing. The cure for werewolves right before the vote? It's obvious he knew of the plan and acted. I will admit he is very cunning.

He had to find a way to get the Auror budget removed. The only way was to repeal the Muggle act. But with Sirius and the Longbottoms that was no easy task.

The book... If I were to slip it to one of Potter's groups. It would hurt Black and cause distress. Possibly even get that cursed boy himself.

But who would cause the most damage? Draco spoke of that mudblood...her getting the book and removing those like herself. It wouldn't be hard to use that. I'll consider my options and plan accordingly. 

His mind was also thinking of backup options. One that could hurt the man who designed that cursed 'Mud' law. 

Perhaps one of the Weasleys? If Arthur's child was responsible for the deaths of children then he would lose much of the false support he has collected. Repealing it would be simpler if he was too busy mourning the loss. The same for Black or Longbottoms.

Which is the best choice? Also, I have to be mindful of Strange. I can have no trace of this going back to me or worse Draco. I won't risk him.

Under his rug was the hidden compartment. He pulled opened the door and, with a slight shake of his hand, he pulled out the book...

In the corner of the room, a small figure felt terror as he saw his master retrieve the dark magical item.