Strange Potter

"Remus." Harry portaled In. "Did you finish it?!"

"You do know I have been busy right?" The man turned from his chair.

"Sorry...I just was hoping that..."

"Relax Harry. I'm joking." The former werewolf held up a package.

"Wicked." Harry took it. "I'm going to finish my part now."

"Have fun."

"How's the celebrity life treating you by the way? As sick of it as me?"

"Somedays. It use to be I didn’t go out much because of Moony. Now I don't because I get all those people staring at me for a whole different reason."

"At least you did something to earn it. I just survived."

"I didn't though. Bruce and Tony did all the work."

"And you were a lab rat." Wanda came in. "You could have quite years ago but you kept going. That takes courage."

"Stupidity too." Remus chuckled.

"Maybe a little." Both Wanda and Harry said at the same time.

"Oh no, none of that mind reading and talking together."

"Why? Does it make you uncomfortable?" They said together.

"You two are bloody terrifying." He mumbled.

Wanda and Harry laughed together.

"Harry. What is this about a crazy elf?"

"His name is Dobby. He stole my mail and wants to keep me out of Hogwarts for my safety."

"I don't know much about elves. Is this normal?"

"Not at all," Remus said. "He is going against someone, most likely his family. If willing to risk that then the danger is most likely real." Remus said.

"If there is even the slightest thing out of the ordinary you will tell me," Wanda warned.

"I already promised Doc and mum. No offense, but I'm more scared of them than I am of you."

Wanda glared slightly. Maybe an endless stream of show tunes playing in your head will change that?

DON'T YOU DARE!

Wanda smiled and hugged him. "Be safe."

"As safe as I can be."

"Not that big of a reassurance." 

Harry winked and went back home leaving the couple alone. He had a letter to write.

Remus picked up one of the letters on the desk and read it. It was surprising, to say the least.

"What?" Wanda saw his face.

"It's an invitation to a ball at the minister's house." Fudge was known to have some gatherings for his more influential people. The fact he was on the list...

"Hasn't Sirius received those before? I don't think he has ever attended."

"He hasn't. Too formal for him."

"Are we going?"

"I wasn't planning on it. These people would have cursed me as look at me a few months ago. Now I'm upstanding level?" He didn't hide his anger.

Wanda cupped his face. "You were always upstanding."

"I was a monster to them. Not that they were wrong." He was so used to hiding and being afraid of his form. Now he was trying to adjust to just being him. It was wonderful and unnerving sometimes.

"I say we go. The four of us. I think Nat should have no problem getting Sirius to agree."

"Why?"

"I want to see these upstanding people. Strange said some of them needed a little help in accepting their world had changed. You know I'm very talented in assisting people." She smirked.

"Okay, that doe sounds funny. Besides I can never say no to you." He smiled back. 

"I don't believe I have ever said it to you either." She winked then saw the slightly tired look in Remus's eyes. "How about we go out to eat?"

"I prefer to stay in. Too many people."

"I'm thinking a non-magical place." She offered. "I'm feeling Italian."

"Well, there is that restaurant you like."

"No. Real Italian." She opened a portal. "In Italy." She stepped threw and looked back. "Coming?"

Remus smiled as joined her. She saves a fortune in travel. He laughed to himself.

"Another summer is gone," Neville said as they made their way to the station.

"A pretty good one."

"A great one!" Regulus said as he looked at the invisible companion on his shoulder.

"How did you manage to find him anyway?" Hermione had yet to get a straight answer for that.

"I saw him." 

"How?"

"I don't know. He was there then he wasn't. I had to follow."

"Had to? No." Natasha said. "You couldn't help yourself."

"I don't regret it. Motto is awesome." 

When the group made it to the barrier they found the large assembly of Weasleys there as well.

"Odd. I've heard the twins say they're always cutting it close."

I bet they wanted to make sure the only girl was early on her first trip." Hermione reasoned.

Strange took the adults through and the kids waited behind the redhead family.

They stood back as one at a time they all went through. As Ron was about to go through one of the bags fell.

"Bloody cheap..." He pulled off out of the way to grab it.

"See you on the other side," Neville said and went through.

Harry pushed forward but hit the wall. Puzzled he move his cart. "What the hell?" As he touched the wall.

"Language," Hermione said on pure instinct.

"The barrier is closed." 

"It shouldn't be." Hermione touched it too. "It's never closed. Even when Voldemort was around they didn't shut this down."

"We're going to miss the train!!" Ron shouted behind them.

"Quiet!" Harry growled.

"We have to get across." Hermione looked around for some sign of why the portal wasn't working.

"I know we can take my dad's car." Ron realized. 

"A car won't reach Hogwarts." Hermione couldn't believe how foolish the boy was.

"It's magical. It can fly. Come on!"

"Stop!" Harry grabbed the foolish redhead. "One we can't fly a car this public, two I doubt your father will want his car stolen, and three just watch." Harry pulled out his mirror and said something.

Ron watched as a shining circle cut the open with big eyes.

"Trouble?" Strange asked.

"You can say that." Harry and Hermione came over. "Come on Ron."

The youngest male Weasley did not look too thrilled but when he saw his parents he came over.

A second later they were across the platform looking at the train.

"What happened?" Natasha asked.

"The portal froze." 

"Odd," Sirius said. "I'll get someone to look at it."

"Ronald Weasley." 

Ron saw his mum coming towards him and winced.

"What were you doing? Fritter away time and making us wait."

"Umm. Mrs. Weasley." Harry spoke. "It wasn't Ron's fault. The portal shut down after Neville went through."

Authur looked at the station walkway and went over to it. Sure enough, it was solid. "That is unusual."

"I called Doc here and he got us through," Harry said.

"Yeah. Thanks for that." Ron said to him and Stephen.

"Dr. Strange. Thank you for bringing my son over." Authur said.

"It's no problem."

"Dr. Strange." The twins said together.  

"The man." George said in some awe and slight fear.

"The myth?" Fred added.

"No he is very much real." George said. "Keeping an eye on our little brother too."

"Even he might be unable to fulfill that job." Fred nodded to his twin.

Stephen looked at the two then at Harry. "Am I drunk or are there two of them?"

"Whichever one makes you feel more comfortable," Hermione answered.

"Hello, boys." Sirius greeted them.

"Our lord Padfoot." They bowed together.

"Please don't do that," Natasha said. "Magic can only do so much to get his head back to normal." 

"Ha!" Regulus laughed.

"Sirius." Arthur shook. "The boys have been talking about you nonstop over the summer."

Mrs. Weasley did not seem too happy about that. To her, Sirius was encouraging them to go after that foolish dream of a joke shop instead of a nice respectful job at the Ministry.

"Yes well. You children need to hurry." Molly said and looked at Harry. "Thank you for telling me about that."

Harry nodded back and caught Ginny looking at him. She quickly spun around to face away from those emerald eyes.

"Behave." Natasha hugged him.

"I'll try, but I can make no promises."

"I'll take it."

"Bye Harry. If you fight another troll I want to hear about it." Regulus said.

"That I can promise."

Motto suddenly appeared on Regulus' shoulder and hopped over to Harry. He was saying goodbye too.

"I'll be back before you know it Motto. Do you think you can keep an eye on Reg for me? He needs a lot of supervision."

The Demiguise shook his head and jumped back to Regulus.

"Traitor," Reg said. Motto smiled at him and Reg grinned back.

When they all said goodbye Harry's group found the compartment with Blaise and Susan in it.

"Cutting it close," Susan said.

"Issues with the door," Neville said.

"Also got to meet the Weasley parents," Harry said. "Mr. Weasley seems nice. Mrs. Weasley seems okay." For someone making up stories about me.

"It wasn't the parents you were avoiding," Hermione smirked as she pulled out Crookshank.

The feline stretched and purred before taking the small space between Harry and her. The look he gave said this was his spot now.

"I didn't have to avoid her. She squeaked and ran through the barrier the moment I got close. Then she stayed quiet on the other side."

"She's probably just a little shy and starstruck. She'll get over it." Susan said.

I hope so.

After the train ride, the group saw the first years being loaded on the boats.

"Hey, Hagrid!" Harry waved.

"Arry! Good to see you. All you." The large man waved back.

They found a line of carriages waiting, but they didn't seem to have anyone pulling them.

"Woo." Harry came over and began stroking the air.

"Harry, there's nothing there." Hermione was puzzled by his behavior.

"Yes, there is. They're called Thestrals."

"Hmm," Blaise said. "I heard of them,  but I can't see them."

"My dad says they are only visible to those who have witnessed death and accepted its reality," Neville explained.

The fact Harry was the only one who saw them was telling. He wasn't as shocked as they were. He knew he took a life and understood what it meant.

"But they're unlucky! They're supposed to bring all sorts of horrible misfortune on people who see them." Susan said in some panic.

"That's a false assumption," Harry said. "They do get a bad reputation because of how you can see one. There's no omen or bad luck that comes from seeing them."

"What do they look like?" Hermione asked. 

"Bat-winged horses with a skeletal body, face more reptilian," Harry explained.

"We should get in," Susan said but still felt uncomfortable.

"They are interesting to look at but I hope none of you get to," Harry said honestly.

For some reason on the carriage ride up Crookshank decided Harry's lap was the best place to sit. Making Hermione slightly jealous. Harry shrugged as stoked the cat's fur.

"He likes you."

"He's just happy I didn't leave him in the shop. Right?" 

The cat yawned and got more comfortable on his lap.

"I am too. It was the best birthday I ever had." 

"Happy to hear that. There's going to be more." Harry promised her.

Hermione smiled back at that. I believe that. As long as we're all friends then that's an easy promise.

All the other years were in place when the first years were brought in. 

Harry was more interested in the meal that came after. He was a growing boy after all.

He did hear the name Weasley and saw Ron's little sister nervously sit. When it called out Gryffindor he went Astral just to let out a loud groan so no one would hear it.

Great...

After the sorting, the welcoming feast was just as good as Harry remembered. Say what you want about Hogwarts, but no one could deny the food was exquisite.

"So any thoughts on the new professor?" Neville asked as he saw Lockhart up with the rest of the staff.

"Just by first glance. I'm not impressed. His book makes him seem very full of himself." He then whispered. "And he smiles so much it's starting to upset me."

Neville chuckled at that. 

Dumbledore got everyone's attention after they were all full.

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to a new year here at Hogwarts! Now that we're all fed and watered, I have a few start-of-term announcements for you. All students, especially the Gryffindor fourth years, should note that the Forbidden Forest is out of bounds. That's why we call it the 'Forbidden' Forest." His eyes bore into the two redhead twins,  but had a slight smile on his face.

"This year, we have a new teacher. Please welcome our new Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor, Gilderoy Lockhart!"

The tables clapped for the man as he bowed and waved.

"Before we head to our beds I was told that a student had an announcement." Dumbledore grinned at Harry. "Mr. Potter?"

Harry stood as his friends looked confused. "Thank you, Headmaster. I'll keep this quick." He looked at all the students. "Last year I was a first-year like the new one's tonight so I know the castle can be a big place and can get lost in. So I worked all summer with my uncle to make it a bit easier for you newcomers."

On cue, a whole flock of owls flew in and delivered parchment to all the new first years.

They all opened them and found copies of the Marauder maps. But they lacked all the secret passages and hidden areas. 

"What's is this?" One of the new Gryffindors asked.

"A map. Just say a class. Like Charms." Harry instructed.

"Charms." She watched the map draw out a line that led directly to the charms classroom. "Brilliant! Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"Very good Mr. Potter. I applaud your consideration for the new class. I feel 70 points is appropriate for showing such." Dumbledore declared.

Harry sat back down as several more students thanked him.

"Why didn't you say you were going to do that?" Hermione asked.

"I wasn't sure the maps would be done by the time we started and I like to see the look of surprise on your face." He smirked.

She laughed back. "Ha ha."

'" Harry?" Fred looked crestfallen at what just happened.

"How could you give these out?" George asked.

"Give what out? A nice map that leads to class. Only classes." Harry grinned. "I may have left some things out. I can't tell." He whispered.

Fred and George realized what he did and laughed. They still had the better maps with much more to them. The ones given out didn't have any people on them. 

Harry looked back at the staff table. McGonagall looked very pleased with him. Flitwick was smiling at him along with Sprout and Hagrid. Of course, there was one who was not.

I even give them to Slytherins and he still has that look on his face. Alright, Snape. Do you want to play this game? We'll see who torments who.

He overheard some of the students talking about their new professor and he couldn't stop himself.

"I still can't believe that man is a professor." 

"Harry, he's an Order of Merlin holder!" Hermione looked stunned Harry wouldn't want him there. 

"He's annoying."

"He's a hero!" 

"Heros can be annoying."

"Well, I can't argue with that." Neville chuckled.

"Bite me," Harry told him.

She huffed and went back to her meal. "I'm sure you're going to be shown how good he is in class."

"I would welcome being wrong about him." Harry shrugged. I doubt it. 

Regular classes were great. Charms were fun and Flitwick was very impressed with the maps and gave Harry his gratitude for giving them to everyone. He did plan on studying one if he could get his hands on it.

Some were too gratuitous he discovered when, on the way to the next class, he was suddenly blinded by a flash.

"Ah." 

"What the hell?" Neville rubbed his eyes.

"Hi, Harry!" The assailant said.

Harry blinked rapidly and found a blonde-haired boy holding a camera. "Hello? Why did you do that?"

"I had to get a picture! Just to prove that I met you." The boy explained. *"I'm Colin Creevey. I'm in Gryffindor, too. I know all about you. Everyone's told me. About how you survived when Voldemort tried to kill you, and how he disappeared and everything and how you've still got a lightning scar on your forehead..." He looked at the scar in awe. "It's amazing here, isn't it? I never knew all the odd stuff I could do was magic till I got the letter from Hogwarts."*

"Did he take a breath in that?" Blaise asked.

"No." Susan realized.

"Oh, I also heard your step mum is an Avenger! What's it like to have the Black Widow as a mum?! Do you know Ironman?! I heard Thor was here last year. Can you have him come back?! What about Captain America?"

"Learn to take a breath between words," Neville suggested.

"Another fan," Hermione said.

"Unfortunately," Harry said softly. "Well it's nice to meet you Colin, but if you could not take any pictures of me I would appreciate it. And yes my step mum is Natasha. Yes, I know Tony and all the others. Thor is probably busy with the whole universe to look after. "

"You said it's nice to meet me..." Colin had a huge smile. He didn't seem to hear what was said after because he raised the camera again.

"Nope not again." He pushed it to the side.

The flash went off and several of the portraits started yelling at the blinding light.

"Like I said. It's nice to meet you, but we all need to get to class. I'm sure we'll see each other again. We're both in the same dorm after all."

"Right! It was so wicked to meet you! Oh and thanks for the map!"

"You're welcome."

The group walked away from the fanboy as he pulled out his map to find his next class.

"So who's worse? Colin or Ginny?" Neville chuckled.

"They're perfect for each other," Harry mumbled. "Besides I've been trying to avoid Ginny. That look in her eye makes me uncomfortable."

"I bet you two would make a lovely couple." Susan snickered.

"Don't go wishing that evil on me!" Harry glared. I'd rather take a vow of celibacy and live on another planet than that!

Even Blaise had to laugh at that reaction.

"I'm sure they'll both grow out of it," Hermione said. "They just need to see the real you and not some tall tale."

"So they shouldn't be told about the troll? Or what happened down in the corridor?" Blaise smirked.

"It's true," Susan said. "You do kind of life up to the legend when you do things like that."

Harry groaned, but kept walking. "Bloody fangirl... Bloody fanboys..."

The next class would prove to be the more interesting one.

Is he posing at the front of the class?

Sure enough, Lockhart was indeed standing tall with his bright smile showing to the class as everyone took their seats.

Harry wanted to sit in the back but, Hermione went straight to the front of the class. With an annoyed sigh, he joined her.

Once all the students were in the professor began. 

"I see you all bought a copy of my book!" Lockhart crowed, looking around the room.

You made it mandatory...Thankfully the board stopped the whole set.

"And I'm pleased to see someone took the extra effort to secure a full set of my collection." He smiled at Hermione.

She seemed to swell with joy. He's so handsome...

Harry raised his shields higher. Her mind thinking like that was going to drive him insane.

"Well, let's get started." He grabbed Hermione's copy Magical Me. "Me. Gilderoy Lockhart. Order of Merlin, 3rd-class, Honorary Member of the Dark Force League, and five times winner of Witch Weekly's most charming smile award!" He smiled at them, showing off his perfect teeth.

And that helps us with defense how?

"But, enough about that!" Lockhart said suddenly, turning round to smile charmingly at the class. "I didn't defeat the Bandon Banshee by smiling at her." Some of the girls laughed. 

Harry and Neville did not.

"Before we get started on today's lesson, I thought we could have a little quiz, to see how much of my book you've managed to remember."

The test was passed out and as Harry read it was clear that Lockhart was not interested in teaching. He was just stroking his ego. Questions like his favorite candy?! What did that teach anyone? And who cares what gift you would get him on his birthday?!

Harry always applied himself in his class, but this was one test he didn't care if he pass. So he answered enough to get it over with.

Lockhart looked over them and gave Hermione another smile. "It looks like Miss. Granger took the assignment seriously. She even got my bonus questions correct. So I feel 25 points to Gryffindor for such dedication."

Hermione was lost in her thoughts as she admired Lockhart's smile.

Harry was also lost in his thoughts. Thoughts of making Lockharts teeth green and rotten. Thoughts of taking his hair away and him being bald forever!

Every time he saw that stupid smile and Hermione smiling back he wanted to do worse...

What's wrong with me? Calm down.

So, to business. My job is to prepare you all to face the darkest and most deadly creatures in the world! You may find yourselves facing your worst terror in this room!" He said dramatically but he smiled again. "You should all know that as long as I am here, no harm will come to you."

While there was a lot in the class falling for his words Harry had been raised by the Black Widow. He didn't even need to read the man's mind to know that he was full of crap.

"I have brought a group of creatures to class today... they're very dangerous. If you scream, they may attack us!" He made his way over to a cage on his desk, which was shaking slightly. "Behold!" He ripped the cover off, revealing a cage full of electric-blue creatures, each one about six inches tall, and slightly satanic-looking.

"Pixies!" Seamus laughed. "You think Pixies are dangerous?"

Lockhart smirked. "Let's see how you deal with them then!" He called out, flicking the door of the cage open.

Unfortunately, that was not a good decision. The Pixies flew out in a desperate shot for freedom.

All the students jumped and moved. Some ducked under their tables.

The Pixies flew around grabbing everything and everyone in sight. Most of the students ducked under their tables. Ron was currently slapping them away with his book until he was grabbed from behind and lifted.

"Ah!!!" He let out as he was grabbed onto the large dragon skeleton hanging above them.

Six landed on Harry's table in front of him. He looked at them and glared. The Pixies knew something was off with this wizard. Something powerful and very terrifying. They flew away quickly to avoid him at all costs.

The word must have gotten out to the rest because all the Pixies avoided him for their safety.

They began tormenting the other students. Hermione saw they started to go for Blaise and pulled her wand before Harry did.

"Immobulus!" 

All the Pixies froze in the air. The chaos of the room was evident. Books were torn up, tabled knocked over, and students displayed all over with torn clothes.

Lockhart popped up from below his desk. "Well done Miss. Granger....10 points to Gryffindor."

Harry had had enough. Lockhart cowering while his students were attacked had proven his beliefs. The man was a fraud and decided to get the truth out. So he dove into Lockhart's mind.

Each memory made his anger grow and grow. This man wasn't a hero! He was a fraud. All the interaction of him talking to various wizards and getting their stories only to modify their memories and take all the credit!

"Hey!! A little help here!!" Ron was still hanging from the skeleton.

Harry looked at Hermione. They did a quick rock, paper, scissors, and Harry lost.

He aimed his want up. "Wingardium Leviosa!" 

Ron floated down. "Bloody Pixies. Thanks." He mumbled.

When the class was dismissed Neville could tell someone was not right.

"Harry what's wrong." He asked.

"Nothing, I'm just going to bury that professor under a mountain of dragon dung he'll never get out of."

"What?!" Hermione overheard that. "Why would you do that?!"

"Hermione you just saw him. He's a total fool." Neville tried.

"It was his first day. It was probably just some bad luck."

Harry shook his and pulled the two off to the side. "Hermione Lockhart is a fraud. I saw it."

She realized what he did. "You read his mind!" She accused in a harsh whisper. 

"Yes, I did. I saw him altering memories of people who did the deeds. He stole their stories to make money and to be some kind of legend."

"I don't believe that."

"Why would I lie?"

"You never really like him."

Harry glared at her. "He caused that. I saw what he did."

She still looked conflicted. Harry had no reason to lie but she read all those books! 

"You know Harry. Why are you trusting a few books more than him?" Neville asked.

She didn't have a response. 

"Hermione you read all the books. There had to be something in there that made you think that something wasn't right." Harry tried.

She racked her brain and some odd bits were standing out.

"I'm...I'm going to go reread those books!" She took off. If she missed clues to the truth she's not going to be happy with herself.

"Why didn't you just show her?"

"I shouldn't have to. You believed me."

"Yeah  well, she is a bit smitten with him."

"Exactly. Hopefully, she'll be able to make sense of it and see that she was fooled by a...fool."

"What are you going to do?"

"I have a Marauder to call."

Sirius felt his mirror go off. "Hello Harry, how was your first day back?"

"We have a problem."

Sirius sat up. "Are you in danger?"

"No, but Lockhart is. The man is a complete fraud. He never did anything he claims."

That did surprise the Marauder. "Are you sure?"

"I saw everything. He interviewed the real wizards and witches then memory charmed them. He stole their life and accomplishments."

"That bastard." Sirius had no reason not to believe Harry. He wouldn't make this up. "I'm going to get him arrested."

"Try to make it during lunch. I want to see it."

"Get who arrested?" Natasha came over.

"Lockhart. Harry read his mind and discovered he's a complete fraud."

"I already knew that by looking at him. Did anyone think he wrestled a werewolf?" 

"Well...he had a good publisher," Sirius argued.

"Is he as bad as the last one?"

"No trolls, but it is the first class."

"Great." She sighed. "What are you going to do?" She asked Sirius.

"Go tell Director Bones."

"And say what? Harry read his mind."

"Bollucks." He groaned. "I didn't think of that."

"If you want to get him you need evidence. Something he can't dispute and won't involve Harry's gift."

"I could get Wanda to visit. She could easily have him confessing." Harry offered.

"Better not," Sirius said. "She's already an uncomfortable person to most of them and the Ministry will just argue dark magic to get him to say anything. His Order of Merlin will put more weight on his side because the ministry doesn't like to admit it makes mistakes." He thought. "Harry, did you get any names of the people he charmed? I might be able to track them down and then Wanda can help restore their memories. If enough come forward then Bones will have no choice but to open an investigation."

"Sure." 

Sirius looked down and saw a piece of parchment materialize on the table. "Brilliant. I'll start looking into this tomorrow. It might take some time so keep up with the appearances. Don't tip him off that you know what he is.?

"Are you going to get Doc involved?"

"Not on this. Fraud is more my responsibility since I supported Albus in hiring him. Besides he said he had something going on in one of those dimensions he talks about."

"Which one?"

"Dream I think?"

Harry winced. "Hope it's not a nightmare. Alright, I'm going to head to bed. If you need anything else let me know."

"Aren't we supposed to say that to you?" The couple teased.

Harry smirked. "Oh, the maps are a huge hit. Everyone loves them."

"I'll let Remus know." He wasn't a fan of basically giving away copies of the map, but after all the passages and secret parts were omitted he found it to be a good idea.

Harry waved then shut off his mirror.

"Well, I have a busy time ahead. How did I miss this?"

"Like you said. He had a good publisher. Frauds exist in both worlds. He's nothing new."

As per usual while others slept Harry was out and about.

Well, his Astral form was. Even after last year's exploring he still had some places here that were unknown to him.

He had to change that. So for the past week, he had been doing this more. Having the blueprint for the entire school memorized was bound to come in handy. 

That and he could look for whatever danger Dobby had warned him about. 

So far the only dangerous part of this school is Lockhart causing it to be taken over by Pixies. Not the worst thing I've seen. At least he didn't let any trolls in. Yet.

I can't wait to see what Sirius does when he gets all the proof he needs.

That thought had Harry in a very good mood.

He was currently floating around the Ravenclaw tower. One of the places he hadn’t been that much.

When he came around the corner he saw a girl. A blonde dancing to no music. Strangest was that she wasn't wearing shoes.

Lovegood I think? I remember her sorting. What is she doing?

The dancing blonde stopped and turned around. She was looking directly at his location.

He would be worried but he was still on the plane so there was no way she could see...

"Hello, Harry Potter." The blonde titled her head at him.

What?!