Strange Potter

Amelia went over her trial transcripts. Her punishment for Lockhart was both fitting and ironic so she was pleased.

She jumped back when a glowing circle put a piece of paper on her desk.

Recognizing the magic she concluded it was from the Supreme.

Director Bones.

It has come to my attention that the Minster and his Undersecretary are less than pleased with you. I know that Umbridge is working to 'take care' of you. How? I don't know. 

You seem to be one of the most responsible and reasonable authorities in the Ministry so I am offering this information and my assistance should you need it. 

Dr. Stephen Strange.

P.S.

My search for the ones responsible for the alley is still under investigation. I do have some suspects. I will inform you if they bear fruit.

Amelia lowered the paper back to the table. She didn't know how Strange had this information but she was thankful. She doubted that her life was in danger from Fudge, but Umbridge? That was another matter.

The woman had a reputation for being ruthless. It was one of the reasons Fudge kept her close. She would do what he was unwilling to do.

If she wants to 'take care' of me then she better be prepared. I will show her the same quarter I gave in the war.Alastor may be right to practice some 'constant vigilance'.

Harry waited at the fireplace for Hermione and Neville. He was always waiting for them, but today they seemed to be taking longer than usual. Neville was the first down after a few more minutes.

"Bloody hell." He groaned. "Wong was relentless."

"What do you mean? He was going easy on all of you."

"That's the part that scares me! Wizards are not meant for such movements."

"Quite hiding behind laziness. You, my friend, got to use to Hogwarts. Sure the steps and stairs are decent cardio but that is just an excuse. You could always join me again for my morning workout." Harry grinned.

"No bloody way!"

"Owww." 

They both turned to see Hermione coming into the room. It was clear her leg muscles weren't used to all the jumping a dodging Wong put them through.

"Hey. Would it be stupid to ask how you feel?" Harry's answer was a glare. "Noted. Since Neville is too scared to, I could help you get in better shape for Wong's lessons. They only get more intense as he progresses."

"Worse?!" She paled slightly. Sure they learned and he was leagues better than that fraud but her muscles were screaming for mercy. 

"Don't do it! He's a madman! I went to one of his training sessions and I couldn't move the next day!" 

"Baby." Harry chuckled.

"How can it be worse than Wong's class?"

"He's the one who helped me devise it. He and mum came up with a combination that keeps both my spell work fresh and works everything. I'll go easy on you if you want to join me one morning."

"He's mental, Hermione," Neville warned her. 

"I'll think about it." She suddenly remembered the attire he was wearing that time she saw him and a pink shade came to her cheeks. She pushed it away as fast as she could.

Harry shrugged and they began walking to breakfast. A gingerly walk.

In the Great Hall, you could tell that all the students were suffering from Wong's physical demands in his class. Some of the professors saw the slow and pained movements from them and voiced their concerns.

"Wong. What is the talk I have heard of the pain your class caused?" Dumbledore asked.

"Your students are too accustomed to letting magic do all their thinking. Their bodies weren't ready for the reality that magic is only part of the art of defense. One must be able to move."

"I hope you didn't go too hard on them."

"You are more than welcome to come to try my techniques for yourself. If you feel that I am too... strict."

"As interesting as that might be I don't believe my old bones would be thankful for the experience." Dumbledore chuckled. This was odd but perhaps he could use Wong's lessons to gather more information on Stange and the ways these sorcerers fought. One can never have too much information.

Snape was rolling his eyes. As of anyone could be worse than Lockhart. One possible positive from this is some of these brats may be too exhausted to bother me in class. Hopefully, the curse will affect Wong and he too will no longer be here.

A delivery of the Prophet fell to all who were subscribed. 

Lockhart's picture was front and center. Not one he would be proud of. Him in cuffs and tears as he was sentenced to ten years in Azkaban.

Amelia had him dosed with truth serum during his trial. He confessed to everything. His Order of Merlin was stripped, and all his bank accounts were seized and distributed to the victims of his charms along with anyone who wanted a refund for his book. 

Unfortunately for Lockhart, he had spent more than he had to pay back. As a result, he was made the janitor of Azkaban during his sentence. Forced to clean after all the other inmates while all pay was sent his debt. The only positive was it limited his proximity to the dementors, but it was unlikely he would make enough to pay off all the people he had swindled with his fiction. He would have to work long after he was released to make up for the debt. Or be given to the Goblins to work it off in the mines if he chose.

At the Gryffindor table, a redhead was zoning in and out. Her mind seemed to be unable to focus. All she kept thinking about was her diary and Harry. 

November passed into December and soon the time was here for the children to set for home for the holidays.

When the train pulled into the station Harry saw out the window and was pleased. "Hey did anyone see where Colin was at?"

"I passed the car he was in coming here," Luna said. "Three down towards the back. Why are you looking for him? I thought he 'creeped' you out."

"He does, but I have a promise to keep." He quickly left.

"He's here isn't he?" Hermione asked.

"By the crowd." Neville looked out. "I'd say yes."

"Who?" Blaise asked.

"You'll see."

Outside they found a gathering of the parents but also a small crowd of people around others.

"Is it true that non-magical have been to the moon?" 

Tony just shook his head at the redhead man. "About fifty years ago. Now there's so much more you have missed." He hit the side of his glasses. "F.R.I.D.A.Y. show the feed of the Mars projection."

Arthur was in awe as he saw various images of a different planet in amazing quality. "That is brilliant."

"That's just some photos. With a little bit of patience and development, Stark Industry will begin preparation for colonization within the next decade."

"You plan on living there?!"

"Not full-time, but it would be a good summer house."

"Tony!"

Stark turned to see Harry and a younger blonde-haired boy there. The boy looked like he was going to pass out from giddiness. "Were you Reg or Harry? I keep forgetting." He teased Harry.

"Hey!" Regulus called. "I'm way better looking."

"In your dreams Shorty!," Harry called back. "This is Colin. Colin this is..."

"YOU'RE IRONMAN!!!!"

Tony raised his eyebrows at the boy's excitement and looked at Harry. "I like him."

"You like me?!" Colin was about to pass out.

While Tony was posing for the photo with the boy Harry was greeting his family.

"Another Ironman fan?" Natasha laughed.

"Careful when he sees you." 

"BLACK WIDOW!!"

"Told you." Harry laughed.

Natasha sighed but smiled at the boy and also posed for the over-eager fan.

Colin left the station the happiest boy in the county.

Harry was just glad to be free of unexpected photo opts. Of course, he owned Tony one now. 

At Potter Manor

"Harry come see this!!" Regulus pulled him into the far side of the house.

"Wow." Harry had known the new addition was coming but he was still surprised by it. "Wicked."

"Glad you like it. You can both try it out later." Sirius said. "I want to hear how everyone took Wong's lessons."

"He's brilliant. Even Malfoy wasn't able to say anything bad about him."

Sirius whistled at that. "That is high praise. There haven't been any more issues with the heir right? Nothing you didn't tell Stephen?"

"No. Since Wong and the others came in, all's been quiet."

"I'm sure Dumbledore is pleased with that," Natasha said.

"He is happy I'm not grilling him at the moment." Sirius chuckled.

"Hey, can we have dinner here this year? I want to invite some of my friends, if that's alright."

Sirius and Natasha looked at each other. 

"Which friends?"

France was always fun to go to. Hermione always enjoyed the trip. Usually, it was a summer vacation but this time she got to see the tower as snow fell.

Her mirror began to heat up.

"Hey, Hermione." Harry's face appeared.

"Hi, Harry. How's your holiday?"

"Not bad. I was wondering if you and your parents would like to come over for Christmas dinner?"

"I would love to, but we are in France."

"Luckily I know someone who can have you here and back pretty fast." Harry grinned. 

"I can ask them." She put the mirror down and went to her parent's room. "Dad. Mum. Harry invited us to Christmas supper."

"That's nice but it's kind of short notice," Jean said.

"Magic mum. We can go and be back here easily." She picked the mirror back up. "Right?"

Wanda's face came in the mirror. "I would be happy too. Harry would not forgive me if I didn't."

"Probably not," Harry said beside her.

Richard and Jean shrugged at each other.

"I don't see why not," Richard answered.

"Thank you!" Hermione hugged him.

"Great. Wanda will meet you guys in your hotel room. I'll meet you outside. Sirius says I have to be careful about saying the secret."

"Alright. See you tomorrow," Hermione said.

"Oh, you might want to grab a bathing suit." Harry cut off the feed.

"What? Hey!"

Wanda didn't want to make a scene so she knocked instead of just opening the lock.

Hermione opened it. "Miss. Maximoff."

"For the next few months. Are you and your family ready?"

"Yes." Richard came in. "Miss. Maximoff this is a nice offer but I hope we aren't imposing."

"Call me Wanda and you won't be. Both Sirius and Natasha are happy to have you over. Neville and Luna are already there along with their families."

"Did Harry invite all his friends?"

"Blaise and Susan we're unable to attend but Clint brought his family."

"Hawkeye?" 

"One in the same." 

"Why did I need a bathing suit?"

"You'll see." Wanda cast and it opened to outside the Manor.

Hermione saw it. It was a very well-built home that was also old. She saw her parents looking around in confusion. Right, Harry didn't tell them the secret yet.

"Hermione!" Harry came out. He was in a sweater and jacket. "Glad you could make it." He greeted her parents next. "Mr. And Mrs. Granger welcome."

"Are we a part of some prank? I'm not seeing a home." Jean said.

"Not intentionally." Harry laughed. "Here." He pulled out a piece of paper. "Both of you please read this."

Richard and Jean did and suddenly a large manor appeared out of nowhere. The paper then vanished in their hands. 

"That's impressive, Harry."

"Wait until you see the inside."

The Grangers were in for another surprise when the inside of the house was impossibly larger than the outside. It was like walking into a castle.

"Richard. Jean. Glad you could make it." Sirius said as he came down the stairs.

"Impressive place you have here Sirius."

"Thank you," Harry said. "It's mine."

The two adults Granger looked at him.

"Yours?"

"Yep. Old family house. Sirius fixed it up for me. So welcome to my home."

"Is it okay that I brought Crookshanks?" She held her cat.

"Yeah just let him run around," Harry said. "Hedwig will make sure he doesn't get lost." 

Said owl flew down and landed next to the cat. She hooted and flew back up. Crookshanks licked his face and followed after her. 

"Where are they going?"

"No idea. Come on there's a part I want to show you."

He led them to the back part of the house and threw open the doors.

The huge pool was a recent addition. Regulus, Morgan, Neville, and Tonks were already in. Nate and his siblings were too, but Cooper was more interested in looking at Tonks than swimming.

Natasha, Wanda (having changed), Alice, and the older Tonks were enjoying a hot tub addition.

Tony was in a lounge chair with the whole coconut drink. Pepper was next to him.

Clint somehow found himself talking to Lunas father and having no idea what the hell he was talking about. Remus was trying to interpret but he too was a confused. Sirius joined in as it was both entertaining and somewhat informative.

"Like I said, might want a bathing suit." Harry said joyfully. "Indoor heated pool."

"That's not a pool. That's a water park!" She argued.

"One of the many reasons I love magic." He said. "I'm going to change, there a room down the hall on the left if you want to join in. Oh and some spare suits for your parents if they want to use the hot tub."

This wasn't how Hermione saw her Christmas break going but she was not going to complain.

Harry came back a few minutes later in his swimming trunks. Hermione couldn't stop herself from admiring what she saw. She knew she was going through puberty and her hormones were all over the place but did Harry really have to be in that good of shape?! 

Maybe I should join him in his exercise? It clearly works for him.

She ducked out of the room and went to change before she embarrassed herself.

Luna was on the side talking to Motto. The small animal and her seemed to be getting along.

Regulus was in a water fight with Morgan that saw Neville and Lila taking sides and assisting.

Harry was about the join the battle when he saw Hermione coming back in. She was wearing a simple one-piece but she looked good in it. She is pretty...stop it, Potter! 

Hermione and Harry blushed when they caught each other looking. They didn't say anything before Tonks grabbed Harry and dunked his head under the water. He came back up and tackled her under.

A few hours later everyone was dried off and changed. In the dining room, the table was huge for all the guests and filled with various dishes. 

Steve arrived at the same time as Yelena, by chance. Alexei and Melina were unable to attend due to some lingering issues in Great Britain that made travel. Less than ideal.

"Thank you everyone for coming. Family and friends." Sirius spoke. "I will cut this short now because that goose is tempting me."

"It's tempting everyone." Richard agreed.

"I call leg!!" Regulus shouted.

"Not this time." Harry argued. 

"Flip for it." Reg pulled out a Galleon and flipped.

"Heads." Harry called as his finger flicked red under the table.

It landed on heads. Regulus grumbled but the other leg appeared on his plate. He looked at Harry as his brother smirked.

Everyone dug in. Harry went over all the things going on in Hogwarts with Steve and Yelena. Nate told him about all he had been up to in his school. Hermione was still a little intimidated by all the heroes around her but she saw her parents casually talking to Captain America and laughed.

Regulus was feeding Motto as the small guy landed on his lap. Morgan and he got into a small argument over who was going to hold him.

Hedwig and Crookshanks watched from the top of the stairs. It was fun keeping an eye on their humans and making sure they behave. 

After the big meal and the adults talked Harry pulled Hermione to the side.

"Okay. Are you ready for your gift?"

"I've been ready." She almost bounced.

Harry led her down the hallway to an odd door. She paused when he walked through the wall. Sighing she went in.

Now she was somewhere she had never seen before. It was a large building that didn't fit with Harry's home.

'This way." He took her hand.

 Another door was in front of them. He moved her to it.  Harry gave her a gentle push forward and said. "Open them."

Hermione found herself in a library. Hundreds of old books and tomes were all around.

"Welcome to the most well-stocked and dangerous library on the planet."

"What? This is incredible."

"This the Kamar-Taj monastery library," Harry explained. "I had to beg Wong and Doc to let me bring you here. Normally they only let members of their order have access."

Hermione froze. She was in an exclusive library! 

Harry for once actually saw giddiness as she looked around.

"There's so many!! Can I read them all?! What about checking any out?"

"No books are to leave here." Wong appeared behind them causing the two to jump. "You know this."

"I'm tying a bell around you one day." Harry huffed.

"Miss. Granger be very careful with what you read here. None of the knowledge is forbidden, just the practices. If you try to use any of these it will likely kill you."

Hermione pales slightly.

"She'll be careful."

Wong nodded and left them to their research.

"He is seriously frightening."

"No, he was Wong. Sirius is my..."

"I will hit you with this!" She grabbed a large book.

"How could I pass up that opening?" He joked. "And I wouldn't do that. There's a good chance that would be the last time I ever bring you back here."

Hermione put the book down loudly. "I wouldn't have actually hit you."

"I know. Good thing too."

The two began going over different books and different forms of magic she never even dreamed of. Hermione found it all fascinating but was annoyed she would never get a chance to use them.

"Harry. If these magics are not meant to work together. How can you?"

"I have no idea. Doc said there's a balance of the two in me. For me, it's just normal I guess."

"But you using them defies explanation."

"That's something Doc and others are still working on. To be fair I shouldn't be able to. When Doc found me I had a...lingering effect from the killing curse. He managed to remove it but caused a storm to speak. All the different magics came together and formed this." He glowed his hand. "I still have the magic I was born with somehow. I guess you can call them in harmony."

"So you really are more powerful than Merlin was."

"I guess. I never fought him." Harry laughed but saw the look on her face. "Does it scare you?"

"What? No! I just don't understand it. I like understanding and knowing how things work." She explained. "One time my mum took me to one of those party magicians and had done the whole disappearing bird. I racked my mind and snuck into my parent's study to use the computer. I looked up dozens of tutorials on how those tricks work. Some people enjoy the mystery. I like finding the answer."

"Not everything can be explained."

"Like you?" She teased.

"What can I say? I have many layers." 

Hermione just scuffed back but with a smile on her face. "I wish I could practice these, I won't but it's frustrating." She let out.

"No you can't use any of it, but maybe it can give you ideas? Not even Dumbledore has read what is in these books. I'm pretty sure that you can get something from that." He grinned.

Hermione didn't realize what she was seeing until he said that. Books that even the Headmaster has never read!!! 

Some ideas were forming. All this information was bound to come in handy in the future. Maybe she could develop her own methods of these spells using her magic?

Stephen was beginning to like the appeal of Hogwarts. The stone and history were something of a wonder.

Slowly over the past few days, he had been room to room looking for any signs of this elusive chamber. So far nothing.

At the moment Wong and he were working on different sides of one floor. A woman's washroom was not a place he wished to search but he had a duty.

Judging the room hadn't been used for a while. It was clean but lacked the essence of people. He had heard that it was a place avoided by the children. 

The sounds of crying were what he heard from one stall. A child crying. When there were no children in the castle.

He brought up a spell on his hand. Slowly he pushed the door open and found the source. A ghost. 

"Who are you?"

The girl flew around and looked angry, then saw she was looking at an adult. "Who are YOU?"

"Dr. Strange."

She giggled at that. "I thought what they called me was bad."

Stephen rolled his eyes. "Strange is my actual name. What's yours?"

"They call me Moaning Myrtle." 

"Myrtle? Myrtle Warran?"

She looked surprised to hear that. "I... haven't heard that name in a long time."

"You were the one who was the victim the last time the Chamber was opened. I'm sorry that happened to you."

"Nobody cared back then. It was hours before anyone even knew I was...I was here. Crying because everyone made fun of me. Of my glasses."

"Kids can be cruel."

"They still are. They always are."

"Can you tell me what happened the day you passed?"

She shrank into herself. "I was here. Crying because of the jokes and mean things being said. I thought I heard someone outside the stale. It sounded like a boy."

"A boy?"

"Yes. I opened the door to tell him to get out, but all I saw were these big yellow eyes." She remembered sadly. "That was the last thing I saw alive."

"You didn't deserve to have this happen to you. I don't know if it's any comfort but I will do everything in my power to stop this from happening again."

Myrtle shrugged. "It would be nice to have someone to share my toilet."

"Unfortunately I can't allow that. Nobody should have what happened to you happen to them. Has anyone been here recently?"

"No. Everyone avoids here. I thought I heard footsteps one day but I didn't see anyone when I came out."

Strange looked around the bathroom. Nothing particular was standing out. No scratches on the floor or wall to indicate any hidden room, but the girl's story was odd. Either she was targeted or she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

"Stephen." Wong came in. "Found something?"

"I'm not sure." He cast spells and detection all around.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. 

"How would Salazar hide something no one would be able to find?" Stephen thought out loud.

"The same way he locked his locket?"

"Parseltongue was my thoughts as well."

"Should we make a trip to the reservation?"

"It wouldn't do any good. She's not there. She's apparently on a learning experience across the world. No set location."

"So we are short a snake whisperer."

"Cast a monitoring charm at the entrance. If this is where the Chambers' access is. I want to see who has been opening it."

"A trap."

"We just have to wait to see who springs it."

"What will you tell Dumbledore?"

"To have patience. I don't think a professor is behind this which leaves a student. One seeking to purge the school? Of their own will or someone else? Too many questions. I have to find this person. The best way is to catch them in the act. When they return I want at least two of ours here. Hidden in the Mirror Dimension. Hidden to observe whoever enters here."

"That should be easy enough."

They set up different charms around the room and several at the doorway. Anyone who came in would be seen and Strange would be alerted. Now the trap was set.

"Before you go there's another issue." Wong brought up. "There is a rumor and history of the position you forced me into."

"Don't act like you are not enjoying it," Stephen smirked.

Wong glared back. "At least when I'm dealing with the students they have the excuse of being children. What's yours for never listening?"

"You'd be bored if I did."

"Back to the matter. The position is alleged to be cursed. No one has lasted longer than a year."

"Odd. Why didn't Sirius bring this up?" 

"You'd have to ask him."

"And Dumbledore? Has he brought in one of their curse breakers?"

"You know the answer to that."

Strange rubbed his head. Of course. I doubt he would. Probably believes if he can't solve it no one can. "I will speak with him. See if you can find its source. Hopefully, it is just an object in the room or the room itself."

"It's possible the name of the position could be it as well."

"I guess I will talk to Sirius and Dumbledore about changing the name. It could end the curse that easily." He then looked over Wong's shoulder. "Anything you wish to add Myrtle?"

Wong turned to see a small girl floating upside down behind him. He was unfazed which annoyed her.

"You're no fun." She pouted.

"No, I'm not." 

"Wong this is my new friend Myrtle. Myrtle meet Wong. The temporary Defense Professor."

"I'm your friend?"

'Do you wish to be?"

She bawled but nodded frantically before she flew off and disappeared into the toilet.

Wong shook his head. "I don't want to know."

At an oddly conjoined home in the countryside, a group of redheads was opening their presents.

The twins found two small packages. They opened and were thrilled at the discovery.

"What is that boys?" Their father asked.

"Marbles." They held the small orbs out.

'We finally found them." Fred said. Oh, Harrykins you spoil us.

"Ginny, are you feeling okay?" Arthur asked as he saw she barely opening hers.

"Just tired, I think. I didn't sleep much."

"Maybe you should go up to bed dear?" Molly suggested.

"I...you're right." Ginny went up to her room.

Ron saw her leave and thought she had been acting odd. Girls, who know?

Ginny's head was still hurting but she couldn't stop herself from pulling out the old book and writing down what she was feeling as she lay on her bed.

Stephen sighed as he sat. Dumbledore could wait until tomorrow. Right now he wants nothing more than to have a drink and enjoy some peace.

His mind was going over all he read about different creatures in the world that could kill and render someone petrified with a look. He needed someone who was an expert in those fields. 

His shaking hand pulled off his watch. The same one he repaired after he watched the woman who gave it to him walk down the aisle. A wedding he was just a guest too.

He cast a charm lighting up the fireplace. As the sound of the fire filled the air he poured himself a drink.

"Drinking alone on Christmas? That's sad Doc."

Stephen saw Harry walking into his study.

"Not everyone is cut out for big gatherings and eggnog."

"That stuff is disgusting." Harry agreed as he sat next to him. "Did you find the chamber?"

"I have a good idea where it is."

"Dumbledore eighty years. Dr. Strange. Eight days!"

"I just have an idea. What brings you here?"

"Why don't you come to the dinner?"

"I had work to do."

"Excuses."

Stephen smirked at that. "Big family events bring up memories. Not all pleasant and I would prefer to avoid thinking of them."

"If you don't come how can you make better ones?"

"That's pretty insightful for a twelve-year-old."

"I'm told I'm mature for my age."

"In some areas, but not all of them. I never was a fan of those pranks."

"Was that a shot at Sirius?"

"Maybe." Stephen looked into the fire. "I had a sister. She was a few years older than you, she drowned. I couldn't do anything to save her. Times like this make me remember her. How I failed her."

"You didn't kill her."

"No, but I couldn't save her. I devoted my life to changing that. I became a doctor to save lives."

"You have. You were the best in the world."

"Until arrogance took that away."

"Yeah, but if it didn't then you never would have become a sorcerer. Which would mean you would have never met me! That's unthinkable."

Stephen laughed at that. "It is, isn't it?"

"You are family. I wouldn't even have mine if you just walked away that night. Without you, Sirius would have gone after that rat, who knows what would have happened then? I would be left with people who would have traded me for a chicken. Sirius and mum probably never would have met which means no Regulus. You gave me a family, so you are family to me too. Uncle Strange." Harry smirked 

"That feels odd, but I will allow it." Stephen gave a soft smile. "Thank you, Harry. I will try to make it more often."

"'Do or do not. There is no try." 

"You're going to quote Yoda on me?"

"Don't knock the tiny green master!"

Harry laughed and Stephen found himself chuckling with him.

"Oh, before I get back I got you something."

"You didn't have to."

"You didn't have to let me see and talk to my parents, but you did. I will never be able to repay everything you've done for me. I can try though. Give me your hands." Harry held out his own.

Stephen looked puzzled but did.

Harry put his over Stranges and they began to glow.

"Harry?"

"Trust me."

Stephen felt his hands getting hot and then the discomfort of bones and muscles moving. "Harry?!"

A bright flash went over them and Harry stopped glowing.

Stephen pulled his hands back. His very still hands. He opened them with no shake. No pain. The scars were there but the damage wasn't.

"I..." Stephen was speechless.

"I spent months working on that. Happy Christmas Doc." Harry smiled up at him.

Strange thought he was too composed to let a lot of tears fall down his face. Harry just proved he wasn't. "Harry this...I..." He just smiled back. "Merry Christmas as well."

When Harry hugged him he fully hugged back. 

I know I made the right choice getting involved Harry. No matter what I won't let you down. I will not fail you. That was the silent promise he made.