Strange Potter

Dumbledore read over the papers. This was something he never experienced. Greyback was always a danger but this...the fact he used a piece of Dr. Strange's order to achieve it was worrying.

"Albus," McGonagall spoke.

The other professors were gathered. They had the children spend the day in the dorms after they were allowed to use the Owlery. Now he had called them all here.

"This is most concerning." He said. "I contacted some people in the Ministry and at Saint Mungo's. From what I gathered none of the children lost any immediate family in the attacks."

"Small miracles."

"Indeed. The fact that Greyback is in custody is a boost as well."

"There is already a call for him to be given to the dementors." 

"It's a shame I wasn't there," Lockhart spoke up. "My Homorphus Charm could have fixed so many people."

"I'm sure," Snape said. How could Dumbledore hire this fool? Even by his low stands, this man is a joke.

"What of this Hulk?" Sprout asked. "Where did such a creature come from?"

"From what I gathered from the first generations. He is a member of the group called 'The Avengers." Flitwick said. "Mr. Potter's stepmother is also a member. Along with Mr. Stark."

"That is a usual name," Dumbledore said. The act of vengeance is never a positive impact on anyone. He did notice how Severus tensed up at the mention of Mrs. Black.

"Yes." Professor Royer, Non-Magical History, spoke. "They are one of the more interesting topics in my class. Even the purebloods want to hear about their exploits. It helps that one of the members is a big part of World War 2 so it's an easy topic to cover."

"Oh?" McGonagall asked. "How is that?"

"He is known as Captain America. He helped essentially turn the tide."

"Captain America?" Dumbledore asked. It couldn't be...he would have to be in his hundreds. No muggle can live that long. They must have used his mantle as a symbol.

"Can we save the discussion of muggles to a time when I am not here?" Snape said. "What should concern all of us is the Sorcerers that have been placed here. It's most likely that they are here to solidify Stranges pull in our lives."

"While their placement here is unusual I can't fault Dr. Strange for taking the initiative. Whoever is behind the attacks has found ways to avoid our detection."

"We are allowing an unknown man to walk the school grounds with an assembly of sorcerers," Snape argued. "How can we ensure that they are not a threat themselves?"

"Dr. Strange may have more authority on the grand scale but I am still the Headmaster. Mr. Wong and I will be going over all his spells and actions. If they are unsatisfactory to me then Dr. Strange and I will come to an understanding. Despite his rash actions, I believe he can be reasoned with."

"If he helps us stop any more attacks I am fine with his involvement." Sprout admitted. 

"Yes, you do seem to have a more personal relationship with this doctor," Snape said coldly.

"Unlike you, I dont go out of my way to make enemies out of those who can undo everything we know. Dr. Strange and I have discussed some areas in Herbology. Some do seek out the advice of those who are experts in the field when they have questions."

"And what did he want to know?" Albus asked

"I'm afraid that is a private matter. Don't worry it doesn't involve the school or my duties."

"Of course," Dumbledore wanted to press for more but he knew better. It was beginning to dawn on him that Strange was invading his personal space more and more. 

McGonagall was not as trusting as she once was.

Sirius's position on the board was a constant issue.

Snape was under a never-ending examination. The man was not trusted by anyone despite Albus himself trusting him. That bothered him. 

Harry was unforgiving to him. That was the worst part. He needed to show that he was trustworthy and that, yes he made mistakes, but his intentions were pure. 

The fact the boy holds such a grudge was troubling. The only positive was that he didn't completely cut me off. No, he is willing to let me earn his trust and forgiveness.

How, was the issue.

"What do you know of Wanda Maximoff? She's been at the games and saved Mr. Potter on the field but I had no idea she was capable of stopping an unforgivable."

Dumbledore raised his head at that question. He too was curious and a little terrified of that woman. When he first met her he could tell she was like no witch he had ever met. Her magic made him more uncomfortable every day. The fact she was capable of such feats...was troubling. 

He feared the magic was darker than he first thought. What impact she could be having on Harry? The boy is very close to her.

"Miss. Maximoff is an unknown in most of my research," Royer said. "There's even less known about her to the mundane world. Her exploits are documented though. How she does it is something you would have to ask her."

"She did heal Mr. Potter's arm and made Mr. Malfoy's bone regrowth painless." 

Healing and killing? The contradiction is confusing. She may not be as dark as I fear but with power like that. Harry's obvious love for her is both positive and negative. Love is a powerful tool. The Power to undo Voldemort for good. But it also means his devotion to her could cloud his judgment. I will need to think about this.

"I believe we have discussed this for hours now," Dumbledore spoke with a smile. "Let us retire for the night and prepare for the excitement the children will no doubt have at breakfast."

"Yes, even my Slytherins are too vested in this nonsense." Snape stood first. 

The rest filed out after, leaving the Headmaster to think and plan.

Between the 'heir' business, the attack in the alley, and Harry, the man was busy trying to turn events to acquire an upper hand.

In the Gryffindor common room, everyone was talking and unfortunately for Harry, he was the biggest source of information about the news.

"This is the bloody green guy you spoke about?!" Ron held up the paper.

"Yeah," Harry said nonchalantly.

"Told you, you would have to see him to believe it," Neville added as he finished up his homework.

"What the hell is it?!"

"Does every other word out of your mouth have to be 'hell' or 'bloody'?" Hermione let out.

"You're not my mum, Granger," Ron growled back. "How the hell can you be so calm about this thing?"

"Thank Merlin I'm not your mum," Hermione said back. "I can be because I've seen him before. I said so on the first day. He's been on the telly a lot." She left out the part about Hulk's rampage in Johannesburg.

"Okay, that's enough." Harry got between them. "At this rate, you two will do more damage than Hulk did."

"Bloody nosey, mental,..." Ron mumbled to himself as he walked off.

"Annoying, foul-mouthed, no manners..." Hermione stopped when she saw Neville smirking at her. "What?"

"Nothing. You know in some cheap romance movie you two would fall in love. The old boring and predictable opposites attract cliche."

Hermione got right in his face. "Neville you are my friend so I will say this gently. Do. Not. Ever. Threaten. Me. Like. That. Again."

The boy went a little pale. "I take it back. No way that is even possible in the worst book or movie."

"Smart." She sat back down. 

"I'm on her side here. Why would you curse at her like that?" Harry joked.

"Oh haha," Neville replied. "It was a joke. No way Ron and her wouldn't end up killing each other. Besides that only happens in stories."

"On that, we agree. How are your parents?"

"Dad has been busy with the massive amount of paperwork from all of this. Mum is helping with some of the people who were hurt."

"Harry." Dean and Seamus both came to him. "You have to tell us the trick. How did your brother get the Hulk to calm down?!"

"Oh, that." Harry laughed. "Hulk's always had a soft spot for him. It started when he was a baby and he wasn't afraid of him. There's a photo on our wall of Reg grabbing Hulk's nose."

"You're brother is fearless."

"I beg to differ. Mum can be a force to frighten anyone."

"Well yeah. She's the Black Widow."

"She's retired from that."

"Does an Avenger retire?" 

"Yes and no." Harry shrugged.

"Okay, what about Ironman's suit here?" Dean spoke. "He had armor made to fight werewolves?!"

"He's Tony Stark," Harry said like it was obvious. "His plans have plans. He's got suits made for any issue you can think of."

"Any?"

"I didn't stutter," Harry smirked back.

"You have the most wicked friends."

"Yeah, I do." He looked at Neville and Hermione then back at the others. "Oh, you meant Tony."

Neville and Hermione laughed at that. Hermione saw the expression on Harry's face. He meant what he said. It was touching.

The boys left and the three went back to finish the work they had.

"You didn't mention how Hulk also has a soft spot for you," Neville noted.

"Why spoil all the surprises?"

All around the room Harry heard more talk about the Avengers. Hulk and Tony. Plus Wanda was another topic. One that was more controversial.

"What about this Wanda?" 

Harry turned to hear some of the others talking about her. A few of the older years.

"She scares me."

Harry listened closer at that.

"Did you see this?" The girl held the paper. "She killed that man. If she could stop an Unforgivable why didn't she just send it somewhere else? No, she wanted to kill him."

"What kind of dark magic is it? How could we be sitting in the stands with someone who can do that?"

Harry heard enough. "The man tried to kill her fiance. He maimed how many people there? What would you do in her place?"

The small groups found him standing there.

"She didn't have to throw the curse back."

"Come on Harry. Even you have to see she is dangerous."

"Wanda would never hurt an innocent person. She's a hero."

"She can do things even Merlin or...V...Voldermort couldn't."

"And that's a bad thing?"

"Depends on how she uses it."

"She is family." Harry felt his magic building. His emotions were tied to it and now was not a time to lose it. "Look Wanda saved lives there. She stopped innocent people from being killed. When that guy sent the curse she acted."

They didn't seem to be getting what he was saying.

"You can believe what you want but some of us aren't close to her. Anyone who casually kills when she can do differently is dangerous."

"And dark."

Harry had to walk away now before he accidentally removed their mouths. Some people are just too bloody stupid.

"Hey." He found Hermione grabbing his arm. "Don't listen to them. They are just afraid and dont understand."

"I know that. Just..."

She pulled him to the large window away from the rest. "It's not just Wanda you're defending."

He nodded and whispered. "The more they are afraid of her...how are they going to act about me?"

"Probably the same." She admitted. "But you have people who know you're not someone to be afraid of."

"There are some who should fear me." He confessed. 

"Maybe, but I'm not going to be one of them."

"I've never been afraid of either of you." Neville joined in. "People fear what they dont understand."

"They dont want to understand. That's the problem."

"Give them some time. I think Wanda will win them over."

"And if she can't. You will." Hermione smiled.

"No pressure."

"I believe in you." 

Harry smiled back at her.  "Thanks."

"Harry!!"

"Bollucks." The boy whispered to himself. "Hey, Colin."

"Iron Man and the Hulk! This is so wicked! Can you please please please get me their photos?! Or better yet get me a chance to take one myself, as soon as my mum replaces the one that was fried."

"Colin!" Harry interrupted the eager boy. "I see your petrification is better."

"Oh yeah. I feel fantastic."

"I'm glad to hear it." Harry thought a moment. Maybe he could use this. "I'll tell you what. If you promise not to take any more photos of me without asking I will see if Tony will agree to get a picture with you. Only Tony."

"Really?!" Colin looked like Christmas came early. "I promise!"

"Alright, I'll see what he says."

"Thank you!!" The boy took off.

"Kind of selfish mate," Neville said. "Not including us."

"Hey, he's not sneaking photos of you!" He sat back down and pulled out two small boxes that he began tinkering with.

"What are those?" Hermione asked.

"Something I have been working on for a few weeks. I got a special formula from a friend and now I'm in the testing phase."

"What does it do?"

"Hmm. I think it would be better to show you." He had a funny idea. "Feel like having some fun with the twins?"

"Will it get us detention? Killed? Or worse expelled?" She asked seriously.

"Great priorities there." Neville stared at her in disbelief.

"What?" She asked back.

"No. The worst that can happen is the twins are immobile for an hour or two." Harry interrupted.

"I'm in," Neville said.

"That does sound entertaining," Hermione admitted.

Harry grinned back at them.

The entrance to Gryffindor tower had been well searched and the stairs were under guard. All the paintings around made it a very difficult place for someone to be attacked so most students were at ease walking up the stairs.

Some decided to use other means to get around. The twins were doing just that when they ran into him.

"Hello Hells Carrots." Harry greeted. He had already memorized all the tunnels and secret entrances to the tower. Thanks to the map and his astral form he knew it was safe when they slipped out.

"Harry."

"What's going on with you? You shouldn't be out."

"Tisk, tisk," Fred said. "Sneaking around."

"Ignore the fact we are too."

"I have a new product I want to test. I need some test subjects." The younger boy told them.

"Hmm." Both older boys said together. 

"What is it?"

"Why ask us?"

"The first is a surprise. The second is because you two are the best candidates for the testing phase. I promise it will not hurt or cause any damage. If it works then we can talk about a possible partnership."

"Partners with the son of Prongs. How can we say no?"

"Perfect. Please come with me."

They took a step forward and Fred and George were encased in several strands of webbing that stuck them to the floor.

"What in the world?"

"Where did this come from?"

Both saw the other two come out from behind the corner laughing.

"That was easier than I thought," Hermione said.

"Well, they did volunteer." Neville reminded her.

"Alright, I admit this was a good one."

"Where did you get this stuff? I can't move at all?!"

"A friend of mine made it," Harry answered.

"Where did you have this placed?"

"On the ground," Hermione said. "See these?" She pointed to the small devices. "They go off when someone comes close."

"Interesting. You certainly found a way to incapacitate someone."

"Unless someone vanishes the silk."

"They can try." Harry looked to Neville. "Go ahead."

Neville tried but the silk was spell resistant. "No luck."

"Excellent." Harry laughed. "A powerful wizard or witch could undo them but the regular ones would be stuck without the dissolving agent."

"How about using whatever that is to free us?"

"Do we have to?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah, I need them for practice and games." Harry pulled out the solution.

A few minutes later the twins were back on the ground, still some strands in their hair, but free.

"We'll take a dozen."

"Two dozen."

"These are all I have for now. I'll work on more later."

"Harrykins these could be the start of a beautiful business partnership."

"Provided you dont use these on anyone who doesn't deserve it then we can agree."

"Define 'deserves'."

"No one under your year and they have to be the instigator. My father never went after anyone under his year group."

"So no testing on our brother?"

"Ron. No. Percy. I leave that to your digression, but you didn't get them from me if you get caught."

"Agreed."

"When can you expect some more?"

"Not until after Christmas at the earliest."

The redheads looked disappointed there.

"Sorry I have a lot of other things going on, but if I finish early I will let you know."

"How much are you charging for them?"

"We'll work something out. Like an immunity to your future pranks."

"That is a steep price."

"I doubt we can cover that."

"I'm sure I'll think of something. But we should get back before Wong suspects we are here."

"Yes, we ran into him. He's scarier than Filch."

"And he's not even angry yet." Harry laughed.

Said man wasn't angry but he was not impressed either Dumbledore looked too much like Merlin. Like he was trying to give off the same presence. He seemed to be copying him.

"Wong." Dumbledore greeted as he came down to the seat. 

"Headmaster. I have prepared the corridors to the best of my ability."

"Am I to know what spells you cast?"

"That's why I'm here." Wong pulled up a list. "Each corridor has been fit with monitoring charms that act as a recording. If they are triggered then the whole area will record all the events. Any one of my sorcerers will be able to activate the spell to see the event."

"Fascinating. That is a very useful spellwork."

"I've also examined the areas that were the base of the attacks. There were some unusual findings."

"You found something? I admit I was at a loss."

"Some small circumstances. The blood that was on the wall wasn't human. It came from an animal."

"How could you tell?"

"The blood cell count. Humans have five, animals have different amounts depending on the animal."

Dumbledore had no idea what that meant but the fact it was an animal was interesting. "You could tell that from a blood smear?"

"No, I sent it to someone who has a lab to test a sample after I acquired some of it."

"Others are aware of what is going on here?" Dumbledore hated not having control over what information got out.

"I didn't tell them anything about this school so your Statute is safe."

"Was there anything else you found?"

"One of your portraits told me they caught a glimpse of someone that was moving too fast to be seen."

"They told me this as well. Unfortunately, that was not enough to make a decision."

"No, but the size was interesting. I was able to remove several of the staff and some of the students as suspects. Anyone who was too tall."

"You suspected staff?" Dumbledore looked almost offended.

"Last year a staff member was responsible so of course I do. Your Charms Professor was also cleared due to his alibi of being in the Greathall during the first and dealing with some students in his dorm when Mr.Creevey was attacked."

"Have you considered that the culprit could be using Polyjuice?"

"Given the timing and random targets they would have to be brewing frequently. Has your Potion Master been missing ingredients?"

"Not to my knowledge. He is very keen-eyed about his ingredients. If any we're missing he would have informed me."

"Then we can rule out the potion. Unless he is the one responsible."

"Impossible. I trust Severus with my life."

"Is that supposed to comfort me?" Wong raised an eyebrow. "If he is not responsible then he has nothing to fear when I investigate his movements and check his inventory myself."

"It would be a waste of time."

"Fortunately it's my time to waste. Fear not Headmaster if he is innocent he will be crossed off my list and I will move on."

Dumbledore held his tongue. Why couldn't people just trust my judgment of Severus?

"Is there anything else?"

"No. The Professors have had escorts that have been set to clear the path for the students to and from classes. During the feast, we will not be in the room but I have set some to escort anyone who may need to use the restroom outside the doors."

"A wise approach." The older man admitted. 

"It should be sufficient until the children are no longer here. Then Strange and I will begin the process of searching for this fabled Chamber of Secrets."

"I hope you have more luck than I have. I spent a few years looking myself. I was never able to find it."

"We have more invasive procedures to try."

"Invasive doesn't sound very good for the environment. I hope the castle isn't damaged."

"Take care, we have no desire to destroy the school. The cost and time to repair it would be far too great."

"Very well. I see no issues with these spells and your guests. I just hope the situation will be resolved soon."

"As do I."

"I must say, this has been more pleasant than I feared. I apologize for thinking that way. Dr. Strange has been less than accommodating."

"Strange is a brilliant man but lacks the art of tact in some areas. It helps that he can leave while I have to deal with the sorcerers who will be staying."

"Are you settling in?"

"As well as could be expected. You have no wifi"

"Why fly?"

"Nevermind. I have to check with the patrols and turn in for the night myself."

"Ah, yes it is getting late."

Wong rose and began to leave.

"Mr. Wong."

"Just Wong." He turned back to the man.

"Yes, my apologies. When you first came here you threaten Severus with death. Would you have done it?"

"I never say what I don't mean."

"You would kill a man in the middle of a school?"

"Before I worked beside Strange I was the keeper of the tomes in our archives. I read many of them. Inside my minds are spells that would destroy nations. Even if Snape was unable to use them himself that knowledge is not to get out. So I would do what I have to do to ensure that. Take that for what you will."

Dumbledore was slightly paler as the man left. He would have to be sure Severus wasn't so foolish to attempt to read ths man's mind again. 

Sirius sighed as he sat at the bar.

"Hello, Sirius. You look like you could use a drink."

"I most certainly could Tom."

"Busy day?"

"Nonstop. With what happened Remus and I have been going all around trying to placate people's fears. The paper got it right with this orb. Luckily there's only one and Strange dropped it into a bottomless pit."

"Thank Merlin for that. What happened out there...you can't blame people for being afraid."

"I don't, I just want them to understand that a lot of those people were victims."

"Most do, many are just anxious to see the cure out and not thinking about the attack again."

"I'll drink to the first part." Sirius downed his glass. He didn't just come here for a drink. Local gossip was almost better than the Prophet for news. It helps get gauge the people's mindset. "Well good talking to you but I have another meeting to get to."

Director Bones was not known for her patience.

Remus looked at the bed of one of the children that were affected by the curse. The poor boy hadn't said a word since the wolf took over.

"He's won't speak or eat." His mother told him. "He was so hopeful when the news came out about the cure. Now it's lost."

"He never hurt anyone before?"

"No. We took all the measures we could. The basement was redesigned to hold him during his change. He's never been out in the open for one."

"Do you know if he...got to anyone?"

She winced. "We...we found him with one of the bodies."

Remus sighed. This was bad. Greyback always found a way to ruin every hope he could.

"I'm not sure what I can do for him."

"Please. Just get him to talk." She pleaded.

He nodded and slipped into the room. She shut the door behind him.

"Hey." Remus sat next to the boy. "Remus Lupin. If you didn't know."

The boy glanced over at him but didn't move anything else.

"I understand better than your parents. What that feeling is like. Waking and not knowing what you did."

Only the turn of his head away was the response he got. Remus pushed forward. He knew what stubbornness was from personal experience.

"I know there's nothing I can say to comfort what you were forced to do. Even after you are cured it will haunt you. It does me."

The boy turned back to face him. His face showed he wanted more information.

"I nearly killed a fellow student when I was in school. If my friend hadn't saved him I would have." Remus confessed. 

"How...how did you keep going?"

Remus smiled. He got words out of him. "My friends all supported me. They even broke laws to help me. Each one became Animagus to be with me during my transformation. Then...then I lost three of them. Two from being betrayed by the other."

"The Potters?"

"Yeah. I was broken after that for a few days. Then I got part of them back and was introduced to a group who would change my life forever."

"Who?"

Dr. Banner and Tony Stark both were two brilliant men who helped me without anything in it for them. Then I met a woman who helped me. I never thought I would share my life with someone. I was always afraid of the worst things that could happen. She showed me that I could have it."

"Nobody wants to be my friend when they find out."

"Fear always clouds people's judgment. I hated myself for years because of it. I finally realized that I couldn't control other people's fears. Only my own."

"I...I killed someone."

"You didn't kill anyone. The wolf did. You had no control over what he did."

"It was still me!"

"So if I cast the Imperius on you would you be responsible for what you do?"

"It's not the same."

"You're right, it's worse. You and everyone else there did everything you could. You did everything right. You were safe when the moon was full. You didn't go there to hurt anyone. Greyback is at fault for everything that happened. If you stay in this bed and let what he did define you. Then he's already won."

"People hate me."

"I don't. People who matter don't."

"Did it get any better after you were cured?"

"Define better? Did people not treat me like a rabid dog? Yes, are there still some who think I am lower than them? Yes, but I also met a lot of good people. Like you. I still have the letter you wrote." Remus smiled. "Over ten years of being poked a prodded, I lost my taste buds on one occasion, and the time my face was numb for two days. Knowing you won't have to grow up any further with this, darkness, hanging over your head every full moon. That made it all worth it."

"They made your face numb?"

"Yeah, Tony called me Picasso all day. He's not as funny as he likes to believe."

That got a small smile from the boy.

Remus patted his shoulder. "It's always darkest before the dawn and your dawn is coming."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

The boy's mum thanked him repeatedly next. He saw the boy sitting up and took leave as she came over to him.

Remus left her home where Wanda was waiting outside.

"How did it go?"

"I think he's going to be okay."

He felt relief for the child before he pulled a piece of paper out of his robe. One more name he crossed off. With a lot more to go.

"To the next house?"

"To the next one." 

While most of the school was going over the event in the alley there were still some who were more focused on the event inside the school itself.

One particular bushy-haired girl was the prime investigator for the students.

"Malfoy seems like the prime suspect," Hermione said.

"It's not Draco," Harry replied. 

"You already checked his mind?" She whispered.

"Right after he said you would be next." He whispered back.

Hermione sighed in frustration. "A Slytherin would be the most likely."

"That's a bold accusation," Blaise said as he sat across from her with Susan, both missing the whispered conversation. "Perhaps the 'heir' was sorted into a different house? To hide in plain sight."

"That would be a true Slytherin move. No one would ever believe that a Hufflepuff was Slytherin's heir." Harry looked at Susan.

"No one in my house is the heir. The idea of it is insulting."

"But I couldn't think of a better place for the culprit to hide."

"I can." She argued. "In your house. That's even more improbable."

"We would have noticed if someone was out attacking other students. There are six eyes in our dorm." Hermione argued back.

"Maybe it's a Ravenclaw?" Neville said.

"Could be." Luna shrugged and began eating her pudding.

"Voldemort was the last heir or so he claimed," Neville said. "It's either him or he has a child taking the mantle."

"Who in the world would have a child with him?" Susan asked in shock.

"Bellatrix."

"Thanks for the nightmares there," Harry said.

"What are you talking about?" Luna looked confused.

"I'll tell you later," Hermione said quickly.

Harry had a small chuckle at that. It was a nice break from the constant questions about Hulk and Wanda.

"They should all be put down. Every one of those beasts that were there."

Harry overhead that. He expected it to be Malfoy but this time it was Theodore Nott. Another Slytherin who believed himself better than everyone else. Based on his memory Nott's father was one of the ones who cut deals and ran from the country. A lot of unmarked Death Eaters were sent to Azkaban because of him. 

Even with his father exiled he still passed down his stupidity to his son.

"If they're going to put down werewolves maybe they'll take down the real threats next." Harry mused loud enough to be heard. "Unlike werewolves, Death Eaters had a choice. They chose to be cowards hiding behind masks."

Nott glared at him. "Mind your own business Potter."

"A former werewolf is my uncle. I have more of an opinion on this than you do Nott."

"Raised by a blood traitor and a muggle. Half Blood son of another and a mud..."

"Finish that. I dare you." Harry stood. 

Both boys were almost nose to nose.

"Harry." Hermione grabbed his arm. "He's just trying to get you in trouble. Ignore the opinion of the less evolved." She gave a small glare to Nott.

"Malfoy was right you are just..."

"After the start of that sentence, nothing you say matters." She interrupted.

Blaise was standing back. A fight between his house and Potter was not going to end well for him so he had to intervene.

"It's interesting Greyback used such an opportunity to cause us all issues."

"What are you on about you traitor?"

"How original. I mean that we are a day away from being rid of the disease for close to 90 % of the affected. Even the dark lord only used them for canon fodder. I know most of us would agree the fewer werewolves spreading the curse was a good thing. Stark and Dr. Banner are about to achieve this. It's easy to see that he wanted us all to fear him and his pack again. All of us. Maybe we would become too afraid to even dare use the cure. And he could spread like Dragon Pox to us all. Even you Nott. Greyback never cared who he infected and you know it."

That got the other Slytherins attention. It was true Greyback was unpredictable and should be put down. 

"He wouldn't be so daft. It would be a death sentence."

"He forced dozens of people to change in broad daylight. There was no channeling what they did. How many people could have been turned there and then with what he did? Face it, Nott. Those non-magicals have found a way to get rid of a danger to us all. While giving back some pureblood lines that were thought to be lost."

It was true some of the affected were purebloods. Before they were disputes but now they would be able to reclaim some of their family's lines.

"What is going on here?"

Harry had to take a deep breath at the voice of his most hated 'professor'. 

"A debate professor," Blaise said.

"Oh? I was unaware this was a debating classroom. I believed it was the Great Hall." Snape glared at Harry. "All of you back to your seats. I would hate for you to miss your lunch for such foolishness."

Harry sat back down and the rest joined him as Nott and his group went back to theirs.

"You just love making friends don't you?" Neville asked.

"A part of my charm." Harry said before looking at Blaise."Nicely played Blaise."

"Not everything needs to be settled with curses."

"But it does get the point across," Harry argued. "How's Malfoy doing anyway?"

"He flinched every time someone says anything close to that word." 

That got a laugh out of Harry.

Down the table, a redhead was writing in her journal. 

Tom this is getting odd here.

How so?

More of the sorcerers are in the school. Mum said they could be dangerous.

Sorcerers?

Dr. Strange's group

Who?

Dr. Strange the Sorcerer Supreme. He's supposed to have more power than Dumbledore but no one is stronger than him.

Dr. Strange...I have never heard of this Sorcerer Supreme.

Mum said to stay away from anyone in his group.

Ginny tell me everything about this doctor.

"Director Bones."

"I believe we can go with Amelia from now on."

"Very well," Sirius smirked as he sat. "Thanks for seeing me. I imagine things are chaotic for you at the moment."

"An understatement." She sighed. "Even when I was just an Auror I knew that Dr. Strange's presence was a sign of change. I never imagined it would be this way."

"You're telling me." Sirius laughed. "You have no idea how much he's changed my life and understanding of magic."

"The biggest event is the effect of the Wanda Maximoffs magic. I have no understanding of it. She did the impossible."

"Wanda is...well she's different by even Stephen's standards."

"If her ability could be taught..."

"That is not going to happen. Sorry to say. The magic she uses is not something that can be taught. Based on my understanding she is the only witch in the world who can use it."

"That is both comforting and troubling."

"If you are afraid she will try to rule the world you can rest easy." Sirius smiled. "Wanda has no ambition to do such a thing. Now all she wants is to have a peaceful life with her future husband. Maybe a few kids but that's none of my business."

"Public reaction to her is a mixed bag," Amelia said softly. "There are many who are more terrified of her now after that display."

"The only ones who need to fear her are the ones who should."

"I will take your word on that for the time being. Now you had a matter to bring to my attention?"

"Yes." He pulled a file out of his jacket. "I'm sorry to add more work to you."

She glared slightly but took the file. Inside was a lot of names and stories. Testimonies and photos. As she read over it grew angry and shocked. "Where did you get all this?"

"I spent the last few months going around and talking to a lot of people. Wanda helped me recover their memories enough to get their stories."

"We'll keep that piece of information between us. How did you learn of this?"

"Anonymous tip. After I supported his placement I felt it was my responsibility to investigate."

She laid the file down and Lockhart's picture was shown. "Tell me everything."

"That's why I'm here."

Stephen and Wanda made their way to Saint Mungo's. He had secured permission from Director Bones and the Minster to interrogate Greyback.

He didn't need it but it was better to show cooperation with them in certain areas. Plus it kept that Umbridge woman in a fit of rage.

Wanda was practically marching to the room. It was clear she was not here just to question the man.

"Wanda now is not the time for vengeance."

"Do you have any idea how many nightmares that 'man' caused?! How many times Remus considered...ending the curse a different way." She glared at him.

"We agreed to be calm and rational about this."

"I changed my mind."

"Is this what you want Harry to see and feel? Your actions dont just affect you."

Wanda wanted to dissolve the man into his bed. Turn him to ash. Drop him into a black hole. 

Wanda?Are you okay? You feel angry. Harry's voice came to her.

Wanda forced herself to take a breath. I'm fine. It's just the events have me on edge. Stephen and I are looking for whoever gave Greyback the orb.

Oh. Well just remember that I'm here if you want an extra pair of chaos hands.

Wanda smirked at that. Aren't I supposed to say that to you?

Ha, beat you to it.

And just like that, her anger was lessened.

"Alright, Stephen. We will do this your way."

Inside they found Minister Fudge himself waiting for them.

"Dr. Strange." He looked uneasy at Wanda. "Miss. Maximoff...I wasn't expecting you."He was happy he decided to not invite Umbridge. Miss Maximoff did not seem to like her and Strange was not a fan either it seems.

"Surprise."

"Ah yes." The man forced a laugh. "I wanted to be here for the questioning. I feel I have to give the Wizengamot the information as soon as I can." 

Meaning you wanted to be seen doing something. Stephen pondered. "I take it Greyback is still under?"

"The healers check in on him every hour. We keep him restrained to the bed and under constant guard. From my understanding, he should be able to be awakened for some questions."

The guards and restraints are the only reason he would dare come near that animal.

In a room reserved for him. Greyback was tied to the bed with the same chains used on the Death Eaters at their trials.

Wanda moved past the guards who parted very quickly. "Time to wake him up." She loomed over him.

The healer administered the potion to wake him, but nothing happened. Greyback lay motionless.

"Is he worse off than we suspected?" Fudge asked from behind Strange.

The healer checked the wolfman's pulse and found he didn't have one. She went wide-eyed in realization. "He's dead."

"What?!"

Stephen moved over to the bed. On examination, he found no clear signs of what killed him but by lack of Rigor mortis he hadn't been dead long. "He passed away in the last hour or two."

"He was alive when he was checked earlier."

"When was that?"

"About a half hour ago."

"How could this have happened?" Fudge let out. "Did this Hulk do more damage than we realized?!"

"He was healing when he was checked last. There was no way we missed something like this."

"He's been poisoned," Stephen concluded.

"Impossible. We would have seen it."

"Was his food checked?"

"He's been unconscious the whole time. He hasn't eaten anything since he was admitted."

Stephen looked back over Greyback's body. Slowly he looked to all the points that would kill this quickly. He pulled back the blanket and spread the man's toes. "Here." He found a small wound. "Syringe injected."

"Do these types even know how to work a syringe?" Wanda asked.

"We not some incompetent fools!" The guard said.

"Actions speak louder than words. How did you miss this?"

"Wanda." Stephen stepped between them. "One moment." Stephen cast some ruins in the air. Both men glowed from it. "They were under the Imperius. It appears they have signs of the Memory Charm as well."

"That's impossible."

"We are trained for such situations."

"Call in your Director. She needs to be informed."

Amelia was having a lousy day, to begin with, but when her floo went off and now she learned of Greyback's murder she realized it was pleasant until then.

"I want the entire building locked down. No one in or out until I say." She commanded when she flooed in. "Dr. Strange, what is the situation?"

"Director. Your guards were under Imperius not to interfere along with the of the event being removed from their minds. The Forgetfulness Charm I believe.

"Are you certain?" Amelia asked.

"100%."

"Miss. Maximoff." The Director begins. "I understand you have the ability to restore memories. Is there a chance you could try with them?"

"I could." She replied. "Please remain still."

Both guards froze as the magic poured into them.

"Wanda be slow or you could destroy both of them."

"I know what I am doing Stephen."

The guard's face was glowing red and then a flick of her fingers happened.

"What?" The older guard stood. "That was...unpleasant. I remember now. We were on guard when someone approached."

"Did you see their face?"

"No...and their voices don't fit, but it was a man."

"I remember that as well." The other guard said.

"We need to search over the whole place. I want everyone questioned. No one leaves until I am sure they are not responsible."

The head medwitch was brought to them next.

"Who all was a visitor today?"

"Here's the visitor log." She pushed the book to him.

Stephen read the names. No one stood out as a potential assassin, but he did notice an odd occurrence. "Minister Fudge, why are you written down twice?"

"I beg your pardon." Fudge grabbed the book and saw both the signatures. The time stamp less than an hour apart. "Clearly this is a mistake. I only just arrived before you did."

"I need the guard at every entrance here."

"I'll handle that." Wanda held up her hand and all the Aurors were pulled to the main lobby. Some dropping from portals.

"We could have just asked them."

"Patience isn't one of my virtues."

"Ah. What the bloody hell?" Tonks stood up. "Wanda you couldn't warn a girl?"

"I didn't discriminate."

"Bloody magic..." She stood. By the looks on her bosses faces something had happened.

"Minister? You came back?" The guard from the rear door asked.

That got the others attention.

"Came back? I only just arrived ten minutes ago!"

"But you just left!"

"Officer. I'm going to need you to tell us everything you think might have happened with the Minister here." Strange asked.

"I can make it easier." Wanda stepped forward. She put two finger to the mans head and a projection of the memory went into the air.

It showed Fudge greeting the guards and then leaving a short time later. He didn't seem to be in a rush, but did make an effort to be seen.

"That is impossible. I am the Minister of Magic!"

"Minister. Please have a seat." Stephen motioned to a chair "I highly doubt you had anything to do with this, so with a simple few questions I can go on record of saying so."

"This is ridiculous." The man sat. Glowing ropes wrapped around him. "What?! Release me!!"

"Are you Cornelius Fudge?"

"Of course I am!!"

"Did you kill Greyback?"

"How dare you! Of course not!"

"Were you the one who cast the spells on the guards?"

"I did not! I am the Minster I demand you..."

The ropes disappeared. 

"He's telling the truth but to be safe I checked for any sign of the Imperius.

The minsters head wiped around at the fast speed Strange was going. 

"Any chance I could borrow that chair in the future?" Amelia asked.

"We may be able to work something out. For now we need to search for someone wearing your face Minister."

"The person knew you would be here and arranged to leave just as you arrived. No one would think anything of it when you were walking around." Amelia put the time frame together.

"Who all knew you would be here?" Wanda demanded.

"It was no secret. I sent a missive out to my secretary to tell anyone who came to see me I would be unavailable for a short time."

"Did you tell anyone personally?"

"No."

"It's likely whoever did this as already lost the appearance. If not then they have apparitied away from the scene as fast as possible."

"Highly likely."

"Do a full sweep to be sure." She stopped the four guard who were cursed. "Not you four. I want the healers looking over you for any signs of more magic."

"Director, we are more than capable..."

"That was not a request." She turned to Fudge. "Minister we need to work on how we are going to break this to the public."

Fudge was still confused by what just happened. "Ye...yes.. We need to get ahead of this. People will be outraged by this! The only positive is it saves us the hassle of a trial for that monster."

They went off to discuss the situation while Stephen and Wanda talked to each other.

"Someone covered their tracks very well."

"Unfortunately." Stephen agreed. "I have some more leads I can look into. I will tell you if I find anything."

"Yes, you will."

"That may work on them but not me." Stephen portaled away.

Wanda looked back over the hospital. Someone got very lucky tonight, but luck only lasted so long.

Lucius hung his cloak. Today was a risk but he had to be sure. That Wanda was capable of dangerous magic and if she discovered the role he played in Greyback's attempt on her fiancee.

The Polyjuice had worn off on the way home and he already changed into his regular clothes. He knew no one would believe Fudge committed such an act but he needed someone. With the mans meet and greet his hair was an easy thing to acquire. So there would be to many suspects in the first place.

He quickly banished the syringe. Then cast some casual charms and cleaning spells to get his study in order. It also cleared his wand of the evidence. 

At least that mutt has been put down. Hopefully, if HE returns I will be able to convince him it was a necessity.

He was beginning to regret the use of the book. He knew that tying it to him would be near impossible. He had done the drop masterfully and even his family was left out of the plan. 

Worst case he had to make sure neither Narcissa nor Draco could be tied to it. 

He was the only one who knew the truth and as long as he played the cards right he would be fine.

Unknown to him a small creature was watching. He couldn't disobey his master but now he had the Great Harry Potter on his side.