Strange Potter

A boy stood in the middle of the pitch grinning like a loon.

"Stop stalling Harry!" Oliver begged.

All around the team was waiting to see the new broom he had. Of course, Harry had to draw it out just to put on a show.

"Alright." Harry put two fingers to his mouth and blew a loud whistle.

Suddenly something shot out from behind the bleachers and flew towards Harry. It stopped right at him and hovered.

"That's...A Firebolt!!" Fred almost started dancing.

George did. "That is wicked!!!"

Hermione rolled her eyes at the display. Boys and their toys. She did look over the broom though but something did not look right on it. It had metal pieces it shouldn't have and something near the handle where Harry sat.

"Why is there a button there?" She pointed.

"That's the little red button. Never press the little red button." Harry grinned.

"What did you add?" She asked nervously.

"Nothing. Tony did." 

"That doesn't make me feel better," she muttered.

"So...you don't want to go flying with me on it?"  He teased.

"Not a chance." She smirked back.

"I'll go!" Fred said.

"I'll wear a wig and you can call me Hermione for a month if you let me use this!" George offered.

"I'll pass." Harry laughed. 

Oliver couldn't believe his luck. Harry was already the best seeker at the school and now he had the best broom in the world. The trophy was theirs! The other teams might as well just give up.

Harry mounted the broom and floated up. "Let's ride!"

The team jumped on theirs as he took off. 

"Hey!" Oliver shouted. They were supposed to be practicing not having fun. He took off after Harry but it was a pointless pursuit. 

After a few laps of the other trying, and failing to catch up with Harry, he flew back down for the actual practice. 

Neville and Hermione chuckled as Oliver tried to get stern with Harry because the boy just nodded and smiled. 

Later that day.

Hermione was working on her essay in her favorite spot in the library. One of many essays. Her special tool made the classes available but she didn't want to overuse it and had a lot of assignments to get done.

Harry and Neville were up in the common room doing some work on Herbology and seeing if some prank from the twins would be going off. She did not want to be accidentally caught in whatever they were doing so she slipped away. 

Not that it was easy. Since the basilisk almost got her Harry had been like a shadow in the castle to her. It made using the time-turner a pain. 

Bloody boy. I do not need a bodyguard. Still, it is nice to know he cares. 

"Did you see Potter?"

"How could I not?! I didn't think someone our age could get that in shape."

Hermione perked up at the whispers. Peaking around the corner and found Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil gabbing. Talking about the show Harry accidentally put on yesterday.

"First he saves Malfoy even though he can't stand the git and we see his six-pack a bloody six-pack!"

Hermione felt her grip on her pen tightening. Just stupid girl talk. Ignore it. Besides, why do you care? Harry just your friend. Your best friend. Boy, who you kissed...Shut it. Bloody brain...

"I wonder if he would want to go to Hogsmeade together?" Parvati asked out loud.

"Please. Like Granger would let you. You saw how she was." 

"They're not dating."

"There's a bet going on with the twins that they will be."

"What did you bet?"

"A gallon before next year."

Hermione snapped her head back up. They had a bet going that Harry and her were going to date?! She shut her book loudly and earned a hush from Madam Pince. She blushed when she saw that the gossiping girls saw her then she went red with some anger at them. She quickly left to avoid any more embarrassment or hexing someone.

Bloody school gossip. And I need to have some words with those evil redheads!

Divination was definitely a waste of time Hermione decided as she rushed to a hidden spot to use the Turner. Luckily she had one spot that was out of sight that hadn't let her down yet. Just when she began turning the handle a voice stopped her.

"I bloody knew it!"

She yelped and spun around to see Harry in his astral form with his arms crossed over his chest. "Are you spying on me?!"

"Had to be sure you were you. Two Hermione running around and all." He floated down. "They gave you a Time Turner? Are they insane?"

"I can't believe you spied on me!"

"I can't believe you are using time to get extra classes! Seriously I like to learn too but come on!"

"You had no right!"

"I had every right! You, somehow, were in two places at once so either this or someone was impersonating you and if that was true I needed to know who and why!" He snapped back. 

"Aha!" She growled. "I promised I wouldn't tell anyone about this! I swore to Professor McGonagall!

"You're playing with time for extra classes. That's mental." He argued back.

"Don't you dare talk to me like I'm a child!'

"News flash Hermione. We are children." He reminded her like she had forgotten.

"If you were in physical form I'd..." she let the threat hang there.

"All the better I'm not then." He scuffed. "But come on how could they let you use that? One wrong move and you're trapped in a time loop and then I have to destroy space and time to fix it!'

"McGonagall trusted me why won't you?! I trust you with those gifts you have! Never once have I doubted you weren't in control!"

Harry rubbed his temple. "Hermione. Shite." He was coming across as condescending.

"Language." She muttered.

"I didn't mean to say I didn't trust you. I don't trust adults who gave you that. Doc told me a story of when he was in a time loop. He died thousands of times before he broke it."

Hermione went wide-eyed. If Dr. Strange could be trapped like that it made her uneasy. "I'm not going to abuse this. I follow all the rules and don't ever let myself be seen. Trust me."

Harry landed "I do. I'm sorry it came out like I don't . I guess I'll see you in a few." he disappeared.

Hermione sighed and turned the dial.

In Runes Harry was waiting in his spot. She sat down next to him. It was an awkward few seconds.

"No trouble?" He asked eventually.

"No."

"Okay." 

She didn't say anything for a bit then asked in a whisper. "Would you destroy space and time to save me?"

"Yes." He looked up at her. "Please be careful with that." He motioned to her necklace.

"I have been."

"Yeah well did you take it off when we did our spell practices?"

"Of course."

"In and out of class?"

Hermione froze. She had indeed forgotten about it in class. "Yes..."

"You're a terrible liar." He chuckled.

"And you're a prat." She laughed back.

In DADA

The next day the class was gathered in front of a wardrobe that was rattling violently.

"Anyone want to guess what's inside?" Remus mused.

"It's a boggart isn't it?" Seamus asked.

"Very good. And can anyone tell what a boggart is?" Hermione and Harry raised their hands. "Other than you two." Remus smiled. "I already know you know."

"A Boggart is a shape-shifting creature that will assume the form of whatever most frightens the person who encounters it." Daphne Greengrass spoke.

"Very good Miss. Greengrass." Remus nodded. "Now, the charm that repels a boggart is simple, yet it requires force of mind. You see, the thing that really finishes a boggart is laughter. What you need to do is force it to assume a shape that you find amusing." He explained. " Each of you will step up and the boggart will take the form of your worst fears, I know many of you might not enjoy the idea of your fears being known but the best way to deal with this is to face them. Please form a line."

Seamus was first.

"Remember to focus on something humorous." Remus reminded him as he showed the wand movement. "And clearly say- Riddikulus! Ready?"

Seamus nodded. As the wardrobe door opened. The dark form of a Banshee came out. Just as it started to scream he shouted. "Riddikulus!

The voice was gone and the banshee was silently screaming. Seamus smiled as the creature retreated into the wardrobe.

Harry watched from his spot. He saw giant snakes and spiders. Common fears. Some he saw some more interesting things like one Slytherin feared her aunt for some reason, he did not want to assume anything there. The hand from Dean was a little twisted he admitted. Then he saw Neville was right in front of him.

Neville exhaled as the cabinet opened. The dark form shifted until a twisted laugh erupted from it.

"Little Neville." Bellatrix slipped out of the doors. "So big. Do you scream like mummy and daddy?!"

"Ridiculous!" He cast hitting the mock evil witch in the chest.

Bellatrix was bound on a straight jacket tightly. Her dark dress was gone and she had an adult diaper on. The fake struggled as everyone began laughing at it.

"Very good." Remus patted Neville's shoulder. 

Neville grinned back. Humiliation was what she deserved.

Harry stepped forward. He wasn't sure what he would see.

The boggart looked at him. Then the whole room seemed to go still. Red mist erupted all over and covered the creature's form. 

Harry waited until a dark figure stepped through the red. He froze at the image.

It was him. His eyes were black around the out of it and he was wearing some sort of version of Wanda's outfit but fit for him. He looked pale and twisted.

"Ok, I get it. My worst fear is myself. Original."

"Isn't it?" His double asked. "Or are you too afraid to admit it?"

"No." Harry raised his wand. He froze again when the double eyes went red.

"You're not strong enough," DarkHarry said and snapped his fingers. "You never were."

Suddenly the image of bodies all around him was on the ground. Remus, Sirius, Natasha, Wanda, Regulus, and all the other Avengers. Neville, Alice, Frank, Luna, and the front center was Hermione.

"You could have saved us." Hermione's body spoke.

"You were supposed to be the best." Strange sat up. "Why?"

"You're a failure," Tony spoke.

"First your parents." His double spoke. "Now them. This time it's all your fault. This time you killed them."

Red washed over the scene as Wanda sat up. "I failed you and you killed me for it."

Natasha started to speak but did not get a chance because Harry blasted the whole scene apart.

But he didn't cast any spell. No pure lighting fired off his wand into the boggart that was sent back into the wardrobe. The sheer power behind the spell made the creature into a pure black form like a shadow before the doors closed and it was locked away.

"Harry!" Remus snapped to get his attention.

Harry shook his head his wand was glowing blue and lighting was cracking around it. Then he realized what he had done. All the students were looking at him like he had two heads. Even Neville was a little stunned. The worst was Hermione who was shocked.

"Harry?" Remus held his shoulders. 

"I'm sorry...I didn't mean to do that."

"Take a deep breath," Remus told him.

"Can I be dismissed for a few minutes?" He asked.

"I think we'll call this a day since I don't believe the boggart is interested in coming back out." Remus never figured this would happen. He wasn't sure what Harry would be afraid of but this wasn't it. I need to let Sirius and Natasha know about this.

The few remaining students didn't seem too upset. Most were still trying to figure out what just happened. And what this meant for Harry. Why did he fear himself? What was with the red?

So Potter does have a weakness. Draco looked to Granger and Longbottom. He's afraid of losing them all. Perfect. The mudblood is how to get to him.

Harry avoided everyone after that and disappeared. He knew Wanda was looking for him but he wanted to get his thoughts together first so he blocked her out. 

Hedwig pecked his hand softly as she got his attention back. His owl could tell he was lost in thought.

"I'm okay girl." The look he got told him he was lying. The other owls even gave him the same look. "Don't give me that look."

"Harry?"

He didn't turn around. 

"Harry," Hermione said again.

"How do you find me? Even Wanda is still looking." He finally asked.

"You weren't on the pitch so I took a guess." Hermione sat next to him overlooking the view from the Owlery. "Besides you love animals so it was this or down with Buckbeak."

"Hmm." He nodded.

"Are you okay?" 

"I saw you. You were afraid of me." He said softly.

"No! I was worried." She argued. "You were almost glowing."

"I scared everyone and they almost saw what I could do. Now they're wondering if I'm some hidden dark lord."

"No, they're not." She argued. "Neville's told them it's the wand you have. After it fried Professor Snape they seem to believe it."

"Still. I didn't know that would happen. I never thought of that. Me becoming a monster. Taunting like that. Being responsible for everyone's deaths."

"I think you're afraid of failure." She said softly. "I know that feeling too." 

"If you fail a class is a bigger difference than if I miss using my powers. I can hurt people or wipe out the whole planet."

"From your point of view, it's worse." She scuffed back but she did what she wanted and got a smile out of him. "You don't scare me." She touched his arm hesitantly.

"I don't want anyone to fear me. Well anyone that doesn't deserve it." Like Snape.

"I never will be. Scared for you? Absolutely. Especially when you go running into danger."

"I'm not afraid when I do that. I got you watching my back." He smiled back at her.

"One of us has to be the logical one. So I guess you got nothing to fear there." She stood smiling and offering her hand. " Come on."

Harry took it and stood. Again they were close together. Hermione looked into those emerald eyes that he could easily make red. Harry looked into her brown eyes with just as much focus. Neither knew what started to come over them but Harry began leaning in and Hermione started too...

When water balloons began raining down on them.

"Haha!" Peeves laughed. "Little Harry and his girl sitting..."  He stopped suddenly only because he blasted back by a huge red fist that shook the whole hallway. The poltergeist had never felt anything like it was for the first time afraid. 

"Maybe you should leave." A voice said behind him. Wanda stood there glowing. "Or do you wish to be exorcised?" she offered.

Peeves flew off without any sort of retort crying at the terror he felt.

Harry was wet, angry, and embarrassed. But he was also grateful Wanda took the fallout of that. "Thanks, Wanda."

"You have to be more careful." She lectured as she dried their clothes. "I won't always be able to cover for you."

"I know. It's just been a long day."

"So I heard. Come on, Sirius and Nat are waiting." A talk was in order.

"Great." He sighed and looked back at his friend who was just as embarrassed. "I...That was..."

"I'll see you back in the dorm." She stammered and took off. We almost. Bloody hell...

"Are you okay?" Was Natasha's first question when they portaled into his house.

"I'm fine. Peeves was almost killed again but other than that it's okay. I guess Remus told everyone. Traitor."

"Like I could keep it from them." Remus leaned against the doorway. "Wanda already knew something was wrong."

"Sorry, I didn't answer," Harry told her. "I needed some alone time."

"I understand." Wanda cupped his cheek. 

"Do you want to talk about it?" Sirius asked. 

"No."

All the adults crossed their arms at him.

He sighed. "I don't know what that was. I never have been afraid of my powers."

"And the fear of losing all of us?" Wanda asked.

"That will never happen. I won't let it."

"Harry you don't have to worry about us," Natasha said.

"Yes, I do! I lost my first parents. I won't lose anyone else! Not when I can stop it."

"Harry, you don't blame yourself for what happened do you?" Remus asked.

"He was there for me. If I had these powers back then maybe..."

"You were a baby," Sirius came over and held his shoulders tightly. "You have nothing to do with that."

"He was there for me. He killed them to get to me. How is that not on me?!"

"He chose to do that Harry!" Sirius argued. "Your parents fought him long before that bloody prophecy was said. You said you didn't believe that right?"

"I don't but I still have that nightmare. I hear Mum begging not to take me. To kill her instead. The way his eyes were looking at me when he cast that curse. I know he's still out there and wants to hurt me."

"I don't think you're afraid of losing. You're afraid of failing your family." Strange said from the doorway.

"Hermione said the same thing."

"She's a wise one." Natasha nodded.

"Harry fear just means you're still human," Remus said. 

"You told us to face it. Well, I did a great job of that today." Harry huffed.

"You did hit a boggart with lighting. It was not the right spell but it worked."

"And what about the evil me? What if I become that?"

"You won't," Wanda answered. "If you start to fall I'll be there to pick you up." 

Always?

Always. She smiled back. Ignore some discomfort from the kicking siblings turning her spleen into a soccer ball.

"You have never let us down and you never will." Sirius pulled him into a hug. "If there's one thing I know for a fact, it's that you could never hurt any of us."

All the adults wrapped the boy in a hug.

Harry hugged them back. Today he learned of a fear he didn't even know he had and now he had to learn to face it. Luckily he had the greatest family on the planet to help.

Stephen watched the whole scene with a thin smile. As long as Harry had this he wouldn't have to worry about what he saw. Of course that was his responsibility to ensure didn't change.

Harry's actions in the DADA were the talk of the school. 

Dumbledore was very interested in the events. It told him a lot about Harry. Mainly that he was powerful. More powerful than he imagined. Using a spell wordlessly and with no proper wand movement was not something that he expected. It was well beyond the boy's years. He doubted anyone but himself or Tom would be able to match it. How did Harry do it? 

That and Harry's fears. The boy was afraid of himself and losing what he had. That was not something that he could have ever guessed. The image of a dark Harry standing there was a frightening one. But was it Harry's or Tom's influence? Perhaps the boy's subconscious was detecting what his scar was. It would explain much. Blast I don't know enough.

If there was one thing he could not stand it was being in the dark. He hated not knowing something and it was clear he didn't have all the information that he needed. Of course, he knew things others did not but that was for the Greater Good. Some information was too dangerous to be told. 

If only I had time to talk to the boy, but Stranges knowledge of the horcrux is forcing my hand. I have to get those memories and find them before Strange. If Tom should learn from him that his anchors are in danger then he would move to make them impossible to find. 

He hated being rushed. It meant he would have to be more heavy-handed in getting the memories he required. If Strange wasn't involved he would be able to work more carefully and take his time. He already had a lead on the memory he needed to help locate the Gaunt shack. He just needed to get it and view it enough to be sure. Hopefully before the end of the year.

Snape scowled over the scene. Potter is once again the center of attention. The spoiled brat. It was bad enough the boy had shoved Malfoy to the ground and embarrassed the blonde. Between his mother and the boy's stupid ego Draco was becoming a bigger pain than Potter. 

Harry ignored all the looks he got. Some were wary of his display while others wanted to know how his wand did that. All in all an annoying supper. He hoped the questions would die down after a few days.

Then he remembered the Halloween feast was a few days away. That made him sigh in annoyance.

Not to mention what almost happened with Hermione! He was totally screwed and he knew it.

Said the girl was just as confused.

"Something will happen tonight." Harry groaned.

"Because of Halloween?" Neville asked.

"I hate this bloody holiday." 

"It has been eventful since we came here. First the troll then the whole heir event." Neville nodded. "Maybe it will be good news this time?"

"Yeah right."

Hermione and him were sitting across from each other. They still didn't talk about what almost happened at the Owlery. Neither knew what to say and were avoiding the topic altogether.

Harry's mind was racing as every time they looked at each other they blushed. Why did I almost kiss her?! Do I...shite. I like her. More than a friend. Bloody hell how do I go on from here?! Damn it I need to talk to Sirius about this. He's going to tease me I know it.

Hermione was no better. What the hell almost happened?! Why would he try to...why did I try to?! He can't like me like that. Right? But why did I try to do it back? I can't...I do. I like him that way...shite...

"Harry, what do you plan to do with the life debt you have over Draco?" Blase changed the subject.

"Not this again. I don't plan on doing anything about it because I don't believe in those."

"You don't believe?" Blaise raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"No I don't. Draco doesn't owe me anything anymore than the rest of the world owes me for Voldermort." Harry argued. He saw life debts as some trick to make someone believe that they owe someone. He never found and real proof that the held any sort of magical bond.

"You are an odd one Harry. I don't think I would be so unconcerned. Even if you don't believe that he owes you a debt it still could be a good piece of leverage over him."

"That's why I'm not a Slytherin," Harry smirked.

"Because you're foolish?" Blaise smirked back.

"Hey!" Neville glared though it was not a serious one. "Careful now Blaise."

"Boys." Susan scuffed. She turned to Hermione. "Are you okay? You seem flushed."

"Fine! Don't worry about it." Hermione said quickly.

Luna tilted her head at the girl. She seemed to be off and Harry was the same way. Hmm. No Nargles or any other form around them. What happened?

Suddenly a bright circle came into the hall and Wong stepped out in a hurry.

"Wong." Dumbledore greeted the man. "What do we owe the pleasure?"

"There is a family emergency that I need Remus and Harry for." He explained.

Remus shot up. There was only one thing that this could be. Harry didn't wait for permission as he bolted into the portal with Remus running down to join him. Dumbledore simply nodded as it was clear his opinion was not asked for.

What could that be? 

"Wanda!" Remus rushed into the back of the Sanctum. 

Strange was at the end of the bed and Wanda was clearly in pain.

Harry rushed to the side with Natasha as Remus came to the other side.

"Hey." Remus took her hand. "I'm here."

"I...Tried to call but." She motioned to the mirror. It was in pieces. "Someone interrupted me." 

"It's fine we'll worry about that later."  He kissed her head. "Stephen?"

"Her water broke not long before Wong went for you. And it doesn't seem the children are in any mood to draw this out." Stephen explained as he prepared for the delivery. 

Another contraction came and Wanda screamed. The room shook and everyone almost went flying back but this time Harry held them firm. It wasn't easy because of the fact his eyes were 'glued' to shut out some things he did not want to see!

It was a funny circle to those who remember her stopping him all those years ago.

Natasha acts as a nurse/midwife.

Sirius was outside keeping Regulus and the others as informed as he was and staying out of the way.

"Ah!!"

"You're doing great Wanda," Strange reassured her.

"Go to hell!" She hissed.

Stephen did not want to chuckle but it was difficult to not.

Remus would be more excited but his hand was currently being crushed in a grip he didn't know she had!

Harry focused on keeping the room from levitating as magic poured out of Wanda. She was always in better control but this was taking a lot out of her.

"Ahh!!!!!" 

The sound a baby crying overtook the room. Stephen 

""Pietro." She said. They agree the first one would get his uncle's name. "No question." 

Remus agreed easily. 

"Ahhh!!!" She let out another scream.

"Give me another push Wanda. A big one." Strange said.

Natasha took Peitro and Strange prepared for his sibling to join them. A few big pushes and screams from Wanda was met with another babies own. He had very powerful lungs.

"Lyall." She let out when the boy was placed in her arms.

Remus had told of how his father had hated werewolves and saw them as monsters. But after he was bit the man changed his view. Remus wanted to honor that which she agreed.

"Perfect." Remus kissed her head as they held each one of them.

Harry came over and took Lyall in his arms when Natasha offered him.

Wanda held them all as close as she could. Remus, Harry, and her boys. Her family. 

I wish you could have seen this Pietro.

He would have beaten us here. Harry smiled at her.

Yes, he would have.

Harry guessed he was wrong. Today was a good day for once. Born on Halloween that fit with his family almost to perfectly.

Asgard.

"Loki." Thor came down the steps with a new game and a tray of food. "Mother prepared a meal for you."

"How lovely of her." Loki smiled as he stood with his arms behind his back.

Thor immediately knew something was up. "Why do you smile like that?"

"Brother, can't I just be happy?"

"When you're happy it spells ill for others."

"You wound me, brother," Loki replied.

Thor placed the tray and game down. "You are up to something."

"Brother, God of Mischief. I'm always up to something."

Thor eyed his brother. Nothing about this felt right. Now it felt like one of Loki's pranks. He felt a wave of uneasiness come over him. Thinking quickly he picked up one of the game pieces into the wall of the cell. 

The piece went through the barrier and Loki.

"Here I thought I would have to put up a sign." Loki grinned as his illusion faded. Inside the cell the barriers were gone and so was he.

"Loki!!!" Thor threw out his hand and his hammer flew into it.

Alarms went off as Heimdall saw the event and sent out the warning.

Deep in the vault of Asgard the Trickster slipped past the guards. His magic was spent and he had to be careful. He could easily take them but they would give eyes to Odin's watcher. 

He had to be fast. Odin would not take him prisoner again. Neither of the guards knew what hit them when he took out their legs and then hit them in the faces with the backs of their own weapons.

He pocketed two blades and ran into the vault. There past the flames of the Eternal Fire was his goal. 

Just as his hand touched it a blade came under his chin. 

"Mother." He greeted them as he turned to her.

"You can't help yourself can you?" Frigga asked as she moved him around.

"What can I say? I'm sentimental." He shrugged.

"No, you're obsessed with that thing." She sighed. "What do you plan to do Loki?"

"Escape. I will not go back to that cage."

"So you will take it and go where?" She asked still holding him with her sword.

"Anywhere is better than here."

"Loki." She sighed and spun around to grab his real hands attempting to catch her off guard. "Remember who taught you everything you know."

The other Loki faded and the true one was held tightly in her grip. "I'm a little off my usual quality of work. Years in a cage take it out of you."

She lowered her sword and put her hand on his face. "I missed you. Truly being in the same place." 

Loki's face fell. No smirk. No wickedness. He did not want to show it but he missed it too. Thor was Odin's favorite that was obvious. But Frigga? He never had that feeling. She never made him feel like a second place. "I..."

"Loki!!" Thor bellowed as he charged into the room.

Loki winked back at her before he made a grab for the Tesseract and activated it.

Thor missed him by seconds and slammed through the wall. 

Odin and over a dozen soldiers marched in next. The old king saw that they were too late. He said nothing as he left the vault.

Loki blinked as he sat up. He saw the blue sky and clouds. He rushed to his feet with his prize still in hand. 

At least this should keep me a step ahead of Odin. And the other...

He looked around with his smug smile. He saw large rocks formed in some sort of circle pattern. 

Well,l at least I know it's Earth. How I missed this planet.

He hid the Tesseract in a different form and used what was left of his exhausted magic to make himself into someone less glorious. For now, that is. He dusted himself off and started to walk. He needed to know where he was and where all those friends of his brother were. 

Let the game begin.