Harry woke the next day panting from a nightmare. It was more a memory than a nightmare. He dreamt that he was back at Privet Drive and his uncle was beating him for showing magic. At least it wasn't one of the worst ones. He tried not to think of it. He got up and saw that it was just after 2 in the afternoon. He had slept for almost twelve hours. He didn't get to sleep until four in the morning.
He went to the bathroom and showered mindful of the various scars on his body. He hated them. They always reminded him of what he went through for seventeen years. Most of them were from the abuse he took from his relatives while the others were from his years at Hogwarts or dealing with Voldemort. The two predominant one was the one on his arm. That was the scar from when Wormtail had taken his blood for that ritual back in fourth year.
After showering he put the glamours up. They always weaken or were non-existent when he woke up from a nightmare and he would have to make sure to put them back on before ever going out.
As he got dressed, he decided he was going shopping. He was going to give his friends something before leaving, plus he didn't have anything to do until tonight. He put his things away before heading out into the city.
Wulf Tryggvason has been having a rough two years. He knew something was off when those portals opened up. He, Cassandra, Erik and Chris were relocated to New Orleans to cover up for some of the ex-Dark-Hunters, by Acheron's request. That was a year before the portals. In that year leading up to those portals, things had been changing between him and Cassie. He just couldn't place it.
And then the night of the portals. He was heading out the door when the portals opened up. He felt the tug. The pull. Chris had seen this and went to his uncle before he was pulled into the closest portal.
They both landed in a field with some other Dark-Hunters, daimons and anything in between. It looked like they were still in Louisiana, but it felt different. It wasn't until after Wulf and Chris tried to find their house and Cassandra and Erik that they realized they were in an alternate universe. Chris could tell that his uncle was totally heart broken. It was all over his face.
It was later that Wulf asked Chris why he followed him, and Chris said that they were family and he couldn't abandon that. Plus, the curse was still on him and no one could find Acheron. The good thing was that Bill Laurens was able to procure fake ids for Chris so that he could take up a job to help support them in this new place.
Chris was able to take off for tonight, because there was a meeting with the Dark Hunters at the Sanctuary. It would be closed to the public. It was nearing eight in the evening before Chris was able to get off, and they both headed to the bar.
Once there they could see that people were already there.
"Wulf, Chris, you made it." Aimee said smiling.
"Hi, Aimee. Did you hear anything on Ash?" Wulf asked in worry. He hated this curse with a passion.
"No, why?" Aimee asked.
"It's about my curse." Wulf said as he sat down.
"The one where people forget you within minutes of meeting you?" Aimee asked.
The dark-haired man looked at her in confusion. "Yes, how did you know?"
"Ash told us some of it and was able to include us into the few people who would know you." Aimee said referring to her and her brothers.
"If you don't mind me asking how did you get it?" Aimee asked.
"He ran into a Dark-huntress named Morginne, who switch souls with him and then gave him the curse." Chris supplied. Wulf glared at him while Aimee took in the information.
"What happened to her?" Aimee said.
Wulf turned to her. "She mentioned something about being free to join her lover Loki in Asgard. But I thought her to be crazy at the time."
He never noticed Aimee still and she looked at Dev who was about to go out to guard the door.
"What?" Chris asked noticing the looks by the Peltiers and some of the other Dark-Hunters.
"There was a Loki here yesterday." Dev said.
Wulf paled. "Are you sure?"
Aimee nodded. "I didn't know who he was at first, but he definitely felt like a god and one of our customers confirmed his identity. We could contact him if you want us to." She said.
There was a way to reverse it? He dared not hope. What if this wasn't true?
"Uncle, don't you want the curse off?" Chris asked.
"Of course, I do." Wulf said in an offended tone.
"I'll see if I can reach Harry before he gets here." Dev said. He went out to make the call.
Wulf couldn't believe it. There was a possibility that he could get it off and most of the Dark-Hunters wouldn't forget him within minutes.
Harry was packing his laptop and notes into his bag when his phone went off. He got it off the table and answered.
"Hello." Harry said as he went back to packing his notes.
"Harry, this is Dev. We have an emergency." Dev said in a deadly tone.
"What kind of emergency?" Harry asked.
"One of the Dark-Hunters was cursed back in the alternative universe years ago. The woman switched souls with him and supposedly ran off with a Loki. Would you see if this Loki had something to do with it?" Dev said.
"Bloody Hell." Harry groaned after hearing Dev out.
"I'll see what I can do, and I'll be there with some answers." Harry said as he zipped up his back pack.
"Thank you, Mon Petit." Dev said.
"Don't thank me, yet. Loki is a manipulative and sneaky bastard. What's the woman's name?" Harry replied.
"The fact that you'll try is more than enough. And her name is Morginne." Dev said.
"Alright. Yeah, I'll be by later with news." Harry said before hanging up.
"Damn it Loki." Harry muttered as he made his way out of the hotel and to the field that he went to yesterday. Once there he saw the clouds darken. He wouldn't put it past Heimdall to listen in on the conversation. The rainbow of lights came down on him and he was lifted up to Asgard.
He stumbled as he landed in the Bifrost.
"Loki is in the main chambers as before." Heimdall said helpfully.
"Thank you." Harry said as he walked past. There was a horse waiting for him. Harry made sure his book bag was secure on his shoulders before climbing onto the horse.
Minutes later Harry arrived at the All-Father's home. He could see Frigga coming towards him.
"Hadrian, is everything alright?" Frigga asked.
"No, but I do need to speak with Loki." Harry said. Frigga nodded before leading him to where Loki was. He was led to a set of double doors.
"These are his rooms." Frigga said.
"Thank you, ma'am." Harry said politely before knocking on the doors. One opened seconds later.
"Hadrian, what brings you here?" Loki asked with a smile. Harry scowled at him.
"May I come in? It is very important." Harry said. Loki opened the door further to let Harry in before going back into his room. Harry went in and closed the door behind himself.
"What is it that you wish to speak to me about?" Loki said.
"I got a call from one of the owners of the bar that you talked to me in. He said that one of his friends was cursed by a woman name Morginne in another time and place." Harry said and he notices Loki stiffen at the name.
"You bastard, what do you know?" Harry demanded.
Loki sighed. There was no denying this.
"Yes, I knew the woman. She was one of my Worshippers before our pantheon moved from that plane to this. We are no more but a legend there now." Loki stated. Harry waited for more.
"One of the Greek goddesses had made these soulless creatures and one of them. She was a sorceress and tricked this mortal into switching souls with her. She succeeded, but it ended up cursing the man. Not only was he one of those creatures, anyone who meets him will forget him within five minutes of leaving his presence. I admired her for what she did and helped her escaped. I also made what she did permanent by adding my blood to the thistle." Loki said.
"Is there a way you can take the curse off?" Harry asked.
"I am not able to switch the souls back, for Morginne is in Valhalla, but I am able to take the curse off of him." Loki said.
"Brilliant, you are coming with me to take the curse off and then you are coming straight back here." Harry said. Before Loki answered, Thor came bursting in.
"Harry, Mother told me you were here." Thor said excitedly. Harry smiled and went to go hug the god.
"How are you feeling today?" Harry asked.
"Much better." Thor said with a broad smile.
"That's good. I need to borrow your brother." Harry said.
"Why?" Thor asked in confusion.
"Because someone thought it was fun to put a curse on someone else. I want him to reverse it." Harry said looking directly at Loki.
Thor looked to his brother expecting an answer.
"Fine. I will do it, if it makes you feel better." Loki said sounding petulant before leaving the room.
"Thank you." Harry said while following him. He could feel Thor following both of them.
They met Frigga on their way out of the castle.
"Mother, we're heading to Midgard. Loki and I shall be back later." Thor said.
"Be safe." Frigga said as she watches the three go to the bifrost.
After making sure Thor got Mjolnir after getting back to New Orleans, they headed to the bar. It was already past 9 when they got back.
Harry saw that the door was closed and no one was at the door. He tried the door and it was locked. He knocked on the door hoping someone will get it. The door opened and Dev appeared. The man saw the two gods behind him.
"Loki said he could take the curse off." Harry said motioning to said god.
Harry guessed that Dev was eyeing the god under the sunglasses before letting the three of them in. Harry went in first and saw a lot of Dark-Hunters. And there were others, they were probably the Were-Hunters. There weren't many chairs so some sat on tables or on the counter while others stood.
"So, how is this going to work?" Harry asked Loki.
"I need the man that was cursed." Loki replied looking around. A dark-haired man got up from his chair and walked up to the god. Loki did feel the curse on the man. He pressed both hands on either side of the man's head and muttered a under his breath. He felt the curse break as the man let out a sigh.
"It is broken." Loki said as he brought his hands down and backed away from the man.
"Do you feel alright?" Harry asked the man.
"I feel like a weight's been lifted off my shoulders. Thank you." Wulf said. Harry smiled.
"Am I done here?" Loki asked.
Harry threw him a glare.
"You might as well take him back, before he does something." Harry told Thor. Thor nodded.
"Clint would like to know if you will be preparing a feast for us, when we get back." Thor asked with a smile.
"I swear he only thinks about food. Tell him yes." Harry said.
Thor's smile got bigger. "Just go before I change my mind." Harry said. He watched as Thor and Loki left.
"Was that Thor?"
Harry turned to see the dark-haired man still there. His eyes wide with awe and wonder.
"Yes. I'm Harry." Harry said introducing himself.
"Wulf Tryggvason." Wulf replied. "You act as if you know him."
"Uhh… yeah. We work together." Harry told him. At that moment Harry's phone went off.
"Who is it now?" Harry groaned as he pulled out his phone.
"Hello," Harry answered.
"Agent Potter, this is Drasen Andrews."
The president of the American Ministry of Magic.
"Is there a problem?" Harry answered more professionally.
"Actually, we may have a lead on where the portals originated."
"You do?" Harry asked as he perked up.
"Yes. We were led to a Mansion just outside of the French Quarter."
"Where is it exactly?" Harry asked as he got some paper and a pen. He wrote it down as the President told him where it was.
"I'll be right there." Harry said as he hung up. "I have to go back to work." He said as he put his book bag back on.
"What was that about?" Kyrian asked.
"There's been a lead on where the portals originated from." Harry said as he rushed out of the door. He never noticed that some of the others were following him.
The elder was looking through a potions book. He had so much to do and with little aid. He needed more aid. There was a ritual that he needed. A dark ritual. It was very dark. The elder needed a willing army. People to do his bidding. He knew that there were dark wizards out there that were on the loose, but they were unpredictable. He had to find the man that had taken him away from his family. The man he believed that killed his wife.
He could hear echoes of the different animals. Ones that he took from different times and places. He knew he shouldn't be messing with things, but they were precious to him. At first they were for gain, but then he could feel more memories from his other life come through. He was taken from his time and he was stripped of some of his powers and had no memories of his life. He never knew this until he learned occlumency. It was his friend that was the first to find out.
All he knew was that he was a ruler and had tested on animals. He wanted to do something so very badly and he succeeded.
The elder looked to his left at the closed door. He ached to go in there, but he needed to finish his work. His army.
He looked down at his book trying to get his mind off of what was behind the door. He heard and felt the wards going down.
"Sir…" The man panted as he came in.
"What do we do?" The woman asked as they heard the front door burst open.
"We leave." The elder said simply. He shut the potions book and reached into the second drawer to get the daggers. He got as many things as he could get and got a hold of the two before portkeying out.
Harry made it to the mansion just in time to see the wards fall.
"What was that?" He heard Talon ask.
"Those were the wards falling." Harry said.
"Wards?" Dev asked.
"They are put up to protect the property and the family who lives inside. There's one to prevent entry from those who seek to harm anyone in the house, and another to divert someone from coming near the property. There are lots of wards for different purposes." Harry explained.
"Agent Potter, I see you've made it." Drasen said coming over.
"Mr. Andrews, When did you find the lead?" Harry asked as they walked towards the mansion. Harry noticed that the tall menacing man was only a few steps behind him.
"Early this morning. I wanted to wait until this evening to search the place." Drasen said. He walked in the mansion walking around.
"Start from the top to the bottom." Drasen ordered.
Harry moved away and drew out his wand from his boot. He walked up the stairs, Talon, Kyrian, and another Dark-Hunter followed behind him. He saw several aurors looking through the rooms as he passed and he went to the one at the far end. The door was opened, but no one was in it. There was a cauldron set up and Harry went to it. There was liquid. He touched it. Heat.
"Whoever was here, left recently. The cauldron is still warm." Harry said. He went over to the desk. Nothing on it. He started going through the drawers. He found nothing in either one of them. He noticed that the other three were looking around the room for evidence.
There was noise coming from another room. The four looked over at the door. Harry left the desk and went to the door. He slowly opened it and paled at what was in the room.
"I found your friend and his twin." Harry said to the three as he went into the room. The three men rushed to the room as Harry worked to untie one of the twins from the bed post.
Talon went to work on the other. He opened one of the eyelids and saw it was Styxx.
"Don't touch his hair and his neck, he hates that." Talon told Harry. Harry was confused but nodded.
Ash was grateful to be able to escape this place. He sat up with the help of an unknown man. He was quite young. Mid-twenties.
"Agent Potter, did you find anything?"
"Don't tell him anything." Kyrian whispered. He knew it won't be a good thing if anything happened to Ash. Ash may be a kind person, but he didn't like strangers prying into his business. Not one of the Dark-Hunters, Were-Hunters, or anyone from their universe, like nosy people. The only reason they talked to Harry was because he was from here and knew the dangers. They need his help even when some won't admit it. And he needs their help. The less people who knew their existence the better.
Harry looked at the other three before answering.
"No, Nothing." He called back. He hoped he was doing the right thing.
"Alright. Keep searching." Drasen called. Harry looked around the room. He found several blankets and went to them. He started transfiguring clothing.
"Here, these might not be a perfect fit, but at least they'll be dressed. Take them back to the bar and I'll meet you back there." Harry said. Talon nodded.
"If you find anything unusual, lie. I know you don't want to, but the less people who know about us, the better." Talon said. Harry nodded. He went back out and went downstairs. The next stop would see if there was a basement. There usually would be a door near the kitchen. He made his way to the kitchen and found a door on the other side.
He opened the door and there was darkness.
"Lumos."
His wand lit up at the end.
"That's handy."
Harry jumped. Dev was behind him.
"Sorry, Mon Petit. Talon wanted me to follow you in case there are others. They are taking Ash and his brother to the bar." Dev said.
"Good." Harry said as he descended the stairs.
"Thank you. For lying for us." Dev said.
"It's alright. I can understand. We witches and wizards are the same way." Harry stated. They reached the end of the stairs. There was a light switch and Harry hit it. There was a row of cells. Six cells. All containing...
"Were-Hunters." Dev growled out. He could feel and smell them. Every Were-Hunter knows each other's scent and their auras. It wasn't common knowledge though. Even though there was a couple here that he didn't want to be near, he still felt outraged that they were here.
Harry took his hand. "I know you are mad, but at least wait until we get them safe." He said.
Dev nodded and let out a sigh. "How are we going to get them to safety? All of us came here with little money and the clothes off our backs. The Dark-Hunters are paid by Artemis and the gods from our world could be anywhere by now." Dev said.
"Oh, wait. I know where they are. The Norse gods have power over this domain. Apparently, your gods caused a lot of trouble and they're locked up in Asgard." Harry said.
"How do you know this?" Dev asked in shock.
"Queen Frigga told me, when I was there yesterday." Harry replied.
"Well, that's one problem solved." Dev said. They walked further into the basement. There were four bears, and a wolf.
"Maman?" Dev called hoarsely. One of the bears stirred and grunted before looking up. The Were-hunter rushed over to the cell and reached in. The bear nuzzled his hands. Harry noticed a collar on the bear's neck. He went over to the cell.
"Alohamora." Harry whispered, and the door clicked. Dev wrenched open the door and rushed to the bear. He broke the collar. Moments later, the bear transformed into a woman with long brown hair and dark blue eyes.
"Deveraux," The woman rasped out. "Y-your father and brothers. They are here." Dev's mother continues.
Dev proceeded to say something in French before turning to Harry.
"Harry, please get my brothers." Dev pleaded. Harry nodded and rushed back up the stairs. He found them where he had left them, only they were out of the way. He went over to them.
"Where's Dev?" Cherif asked when He noticed Harry.
"He's down in the basement. He wanted me to get you all." Harry said before turning back to the basement. He knew that they would follow him. Once back down there. There were several exclamations at once. At least one or two brothers went to the four cells at once. Harry guessed the other three were their father and brothers.
He went and unlocked the three cells before leaving them. He wanted to give them some time to themselves. He went to the other cells.
He stopped when he saw a man and a woman in a cell curled up together. They were awake, unharmed and were looking right back at him.
"You're not the old man." The man stated.
"No. Is that the one that trapped you all here?" Harry asked as he came closer.
"Yes." The man said as he watched Harry closely.
"Alohamora." Harry whispered and the locked clicked. He opened the cell for them.
"You look familiar." Harry said to the man.
"I don't think we've met." The man replied.
"You look like the twins we found upstairs." Harry thoughtfully.
"Twins?" The woman asked. Her voice thick with an accent. "Does one have blue eyes and the other swirling silver?" She asked.
"Yes. Their friends took them somewhere safe." Harry replied. The woman let out a cry of relief.
"My name is Ryssa, this is my son Apollodorus." Ryssa said with tears.
"I'm Harry." Harry replied. He helped them up and out of the cell.
"Harry, can you open this last cell? I know who this wolf is." Alain, Harry thinks, said. Harry went over and got the cell open.
"Can you cover for us?" Dev asked.
"Yeah, I can do that. Can you get Ryssa and Apollodorus to Ash?" Harry asked.
Dev nodded.
"I'll be at the bar later." Harry said as he went back up the stairs. He found less aurors than it was thirty minutes ago. Harry checked his watch. It wasn't even eleven yet. He found Drasen on the main floor with his back to the door. He was talking to some aurors.
Harry walked to him and the aurors were dismissed when he got closer.
"Did you find anything in the basement?" Drasen asked as he ran his hand through his graying black hair.
"I didn't find anything. The basement was empty. Did anyone else find anything?" Harry asked.
"Some books with writing in it. And a pouch." Drasen said.
"What type of pouch?" Harry asked. Drasen called over an auror.
"Show him the pouch." Drasen ordered. The auror pulled out a pouch from the bag of evidence he was holding. Harry stilled.
"Do you recognize this pouch?" Drasen asked.
"Yes, it belonged to a…well she hasn't been my friend since she betrayed me." Harry said.
"Who?"
"Hermione Granger. I haven't seen her since a few months before the war. For all I knew she had left the country. We left on bad terms." Harry said.
"How bad?" Drasen asked.
"You remember me mentioning that horcrux hunt I went on?" Harry asked. The man nodded.
"Ron, Hermione and I had just gotten a horcrux when we had a fight. They said that they couldn't do it anymore and asked if I was withholding information. I said no and I also told them that I gave them all the information that I knew. I always told them everything. They called me a liar and then they accused me of being the reason they had ran away from their real friends and family. Then they left and I heard nothing from them again." Harry said.
"Okay. Well we'll have to put out some wanted posters on Hermione Granger. Thank you for your help Harry. I know that you will have to put this in your report." Drasen said.
Harry groaned. "Don't remind me. Even though this will be my last report, it has become much harder and more complicated."
"I heard about SHIELD shutting down. Did you ever find your friends?" Drasen asked in concern.
"Yes, Loki helped for once. He told me they were in Asgard being treated for their injuries. I Went up there to see and they're there. They were awake when I left and should be back in a couple of days." Harry said.
"That's good to hear. I know it's been a long night and you have to get back to work. Let me know what else you find." Drasen said. Harry nodded.
"Will do." Harry said as he left. He went back to the bar.
The Peltiers made it back to the Sanctuary and everyone was still there. When they walked through the door, there was silence.
"Maman, Papa." Aimee exclaimed as she ran to her parents.
Vane and his brothers weren't much better. Anya was alive. They rushed over to her and hugged her close to them not wanting to let her go.
Ash and Styxx were stunned. It couldn't be, could it? How was this possible?
"Ryssa?" Ash asked. He couldn't believe his eyes. His sister was alive.
"Acheron, Styxx." Ryssa cried out as she went to them. She hugged them both close to her. Both of her brothers are here and they weren't fighting. She would have to find out later, why that was. She felt two pairs of arms go around her.
"We missed you so much, Ryssa. We thought you were dead." Styxx said in a rough voice. He and Ash were brought back to the sanctuary and were welcomed back by all the dark- and were-hunters. Their collars were taken off and they felt their powers burst out. They had to sit while they got control of their powers back. Styxx winced as he could hear everyone's thoughts at one time. It took him several minutes to control it. Talon and Kyrian told them what had happened in the last two years.
"No, I was taken and switched by a duplicate. Both me and Apollodorus. We didn't see his face until two years ago. He would send Apollodorus out on errands." Ryssa said.
"That happened to us as well." Aubert said as he held onto his wife, Nicolette. "We were replaced by duplicates, as well."
"Me as well." Anya said.
Talon looked to Kyrian and Dev. "Do you think Harry might know what it was? From what we know it could be right up his alley." Talon asked.
"It could be." Kyrian said.
"Who is Harry?" Ash asked confused.
"The guy who helped us get you and Styxx out of there and lied to his superior. Short, green eyes and black hair." Talon said.
"What is he?" Vane asked.
"He is a wizard. A mortal with magic. He uses a wand to use magic. My brothers and I saw it ourselves." Aimee said.
"We did as well." Talon said speaking of himself and Kyrian.
"What do you know about him?" Zarek asked.
"He was orphaned when he was fifteen months old and he was here to look for his friends that were here investigating the portals." Talon said. The door opened and said man came in.
Harry noticed the looks. "I know those looks. You were just talking about me." Harry said.
Talon snorted at the tone.
"We were just telling them about what you are. And we don't know much about you. And your world. Can you tell us more?" Talon asked.
"What do you want to know?" Harry asked.
"Well, the first and important question is that: is there a way to duplicate someone?" Talon asked.
"Yes. The known way is the polyjuice potion. The person would need the hairs of the person that they wanted to change into. It lasts an hour. The lesser known way is much darker and needs the blood of the person. It is much more permanent than the polyjuice potion." Harry said.
"Is there something else you wanted to know?" Harry asked.
"Are you willing to answer personal questions about you and your world?" A guy asked him.
"Sure." Harry said with a shrug.
"Is there some sort aristocratic system?" Kyrian asked.
"You can say that. In part of Europe, but in England mostly, the wizarding worlds are stuck in the dark ages. Unlike America, they don't integrate magic and technology, and they do discriminate between blood and creature." Harry said. Harry could sense some discomfort or moods rising.
"What does that mean?" A very tall man asked. He looked entirely menacing.
"There are three different types of wizards. Muggleborns, half-bloods and purebloods. Muggleborns are witches and wizards who were born to parents that don't have magic. Half-bloods are born to a pureblood parent and one without magic or a muggleborn parent. And a Pureblood is one who doesn't have a trace of muggles or half-bloods in their lineage. There are only twenty-eight families that can say as much.
Muggleborns and some half-bloods are looked down upon by purebloods. And they could be called the worst thing imaginable." Harry said.
"Which one do you belong to?" Ash asked.
"I am a half-blood. My mother was a muggleborn and my dad was a pureblood." Harry said.
"Did something happen to them?" Wulf asked.
"They were murdered when I was fifteen months old." Harry said.
"You never told us what happened." Talon said. Kyrian hit him on the shoulder.
"It's alright. My aunt and uncle always told me they died in a car crash because my dad was a drunk. But, I was told otherwise when I was eleven." Harry said with a sad smile.
"Why would they lie to you?" Aimee asked. Harry squeezed his eyes shut in memory. They were going to find out anyway.
"They hated anything that had to do with magic, which included me." Harry admitted.
Aimee got up and hugged Harry. "Would you tell us if you were ready?"
"I never told anyone the whole story. I wouldn't even know how to start it." Harry started. It was now or never.
"It always good to start from the beginning." Dev said. Harry nodded. The good question was whose beginning he starts with.
"Before I was born, there was a prophecy. A child born as the seventh month dies would have the power to defeat the Dark Lord with a power that he knows not." Harry said.
"Seventh month dies? July 31st?" Aimee asked curiously.
"Yes. At that time, there were two couples that were expecting children at that time. My parents and my friend's parents. They were taken into hiding only trusting one person with their exact location. The dark lord found out about the prophecy and decided to come after me. The one person that my parents trusted with their location betrayed them and led the dark lord to their hideout.
"I was fifteen months old when he came. My dad fought him while my mom took me upstairs to the nursery. It was later that he came and was ordering my mom to back away from me. She begged him not to kill me, but he didn't listen. He killed her and attempted to kill me, but ended up being temporarily killed himself. I was declared the boy who lived. Someone that had beaten a curse that wasn't supposed to be blocked." Harry said pausing.
"I was sent to my aunt, since she was the closest living relative, being my mom's sister. She hated my mother for being more talented than her and having magic and she didn't. She married and had a son. Her and her husband hated anything that wasn't normal. They never wanted me from the beginning. For the first ten years of my life, my bedroom was a cupboard under the stairs. My school letter was actually addressed to me with that. I was beaten, starved, and I did all their house work." Harry said.
"You were basically a slave." The menacing looking guy gritted out, bluntly.
"Yes. I started cooking when I was five. They gradually had me doing other things around the house. The Gardening for my aunt, repainting the house, cleaning the gutters, and making sure all the rooms were cleaned in the house."
"The beatings?" Dev asked in a grave voice.
"Every time I didn't finish the chores in time, I would get beat. Usually with the belt, by my uncle. If I showed any magic, at that time I couldn't control it, witches and wizards call that accidental magic. It usually showed when I was emotional. Anytime that happen, he would definitely lash out, with punches and kicks. He would also use starvation as a punishment. I would be lucky if I had two meals a day. Sometimes it would be a week or two before I could actually eat something." Harry said in remembrance.
"How would they do that?" Kyrian asked.
"They would lock me in the cupboard. Let's just say I did not have the best attendance record in school, before I went to boarding school. When I started Hogwarts, I was given my cousin's second bedroom. The next year they put locks outside my door and bars on my window." Harry said.
"Did they leave any lasting marks on you?" Talon asked. Harry stilled before nodding.
"Once I learned the spells to hide them, I did." Harry said as he took off his backpack and pulled off his shirt. He then took off the glamours. There were several gasps. It wasn't noticeable, but there were scars on his stomach and chest, and there was evidence of belt marks on his back.
The guy with a menacing look walked up to him and grabbed his arms and twisted them so that the palms of his hands were facing up. He pointed to the long scar on his left arm.
"I got that at school. I was kidnapped and forced to participate in a ritual to bring the dark lord back. The potion called for blood forcefully taken from an enemy." Harry said. The man took the other arm. There was a round puncture wound.
"That was when I was at school too. I got it from a basilisk."
Everyone in the room stilled. "You went against a basilisk and survived?" Kyrian asked in shock.
"Not without help. I had gotten help from a Pheonix, Fawkes." Harry said. "If it wasn't for him, I would've been dead from having a fang struck through my arm."
"How did it get there?" Aimee asked recovering from shock.
"I stabbed it through the mouth." Harry said.
"Is it dead?" Kyrian asked.
"Yes, it is." Harry said.
Aimee hugged Harry fiercely. "Thank you for sharing your story."
Harry snorted. "That was only half of it, but I'm just too tired to go on." He said rubbing his eyes. Once Aimee let go, Harry put the glamours back up and put his shirt back on.
"What brought you down to New Orleans?" The guy from earlier asked. "I'm Vane, by the way."
"I work for a secret government sector, which is shutting down soon. It was started with a mission to protect Earth. I was brought down here to find my friends and what caused the portals." Harry said. "I already found my friends and now I just have to focus on who opened the portals."
"Do you have a lead?" Talon asked.
"Yes. They found a pouch that belonged to Hermione Granger." Harry said as took out his computer and booted it up.
Dev whistled. "That looks expensive."
Harry snorted again. "It doesn't help when the maker just thrusts it in your hands. Even when I can pay for mine own."
"You know who made this?" Dev asked.
"Don't let Tony Stark hear you say that. He has a massive ego. He's a prodigy. This one he made for me that works with my magic." Harry said as he started working on his report.
"How does Thor, the god of thunder come into this?" Wulf asked.
"A few years ago, my government sector wanted to put together a team of superheroes that would protect the earth. The team consists of a super soldier, two highly trained assassins, a god, a man with anger issues and a billionaire in an iron suit." Harry responded while still working on his report.
He was about to type in the last sentence when an incoming chat call interrupted him.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, Harry, but you have a call." Jarvis said through the computer.
"Damn it. I'm never accepting anything from Tony ever again." Harry said. He could hear several people snickering behind him.
"I'm guessing he never told you about this feature?" Pepper asked when she came onto the screen.
"No, I should've known it was going to be used to check up on me." Harry said groaning.
"Did the twins tell you they put a several charms on your bracelet?" Pepper asked with a smirk.
"What? When was this?" Harry asked as he took a closer look at his bracelet. "Why are you people keeping tabs on me?"
"We care about you, Harry, and tend to attract a lot of trouble around you. And don't worry about the bracelet; it only lets us know when you are in immediate danger and/or hurt. Each one of the team has one including Fred and George." Pepper said with a smile.
Harry was touched that they cared that much. "Was there anything you need?" He asked.
"Have you heard from the team?" Pepper asked.
"I've only seen Thor, today. The others are still recovering. I think Tony's suit is damaged beyond repair. Is there another suit that can be sent?" Harry asked.
I have just sent the Mark XII to your current location. Jarvis said.
"Thank you, Jarvis." Harry said.
"There are circles under your eyes. Have you been getting any sleep? Are you eating?" Pepper asked looking concern.
There was a low growl coming from his stomach. "I'll get something soon. Can I speak to Fred and George?" Harry asked.
"Sure, but eat something Harry. You're no help to us if you keep starving yourself." Pepper said before getting up to get the boys.
Moments later, Fred and George appeared.
"Hello, Harry." They said in unison.
"Glad to see you both unharmed. How's the shop coming along?" Harry asked.
"Brilliant. We plan on opening a month before term starts." Fred said with a proud smile.
"What can we do for our little brother?" George asked.
"It's about my mission. The aurors found a pouch that belonged to Hermione." Harry said seriously.
"Are you sure?" Fred asked.
"Positive. She had brought it along to carry all of our things in it. It was on her when she left." Harry confirmed.
"What do you need us to do?" George asked.
"Ask around. See if anyone has seen her. I think she might've gone back to England to hide for a little bit." Harry said.
"We'll get straight on it. Be safe, Harry." Fred said before the call ended. Harry groaned and dropped his head into his arms. Why was Hermione here? What was he missing?
"The old man, what did he look like?" Harry asked after lifting his head. He wasn't speaking to anyone in particular.
"He had long white hair and beard. Long robes that were bright colors." Apollodorus said.
"Did he have glasses and blue eyes that twinkled when he knew something you didn't?" Harry asked paling.
"Yes, do you know him?" Styxx asked.
"That manipulative, old man." Harry shouted. "He would try and fake his own death. Just for 'the greater good.'" Harry continued as he turned to his computer.
"Jarvis, contact Director Fury." Harry demanded.
"Calling, Director Fury."
"Agent Potter, what have you got?" Fury asked as he stood in front of his desk.
"I have two likely suspects concerning the portals." Harry said.
"Who?" Fury demanded.
"Hermione Granger and Albus Dumbledore." Harry said.
"Shit. We suspected a long time that Dumbledore wasn't dead. I don't think he would just let anyone kill him. Where are they?" Fury asked.
"I don't know. Mr. Andrews had found the mansion right outside the French Quarter. It looked like his headquarters. They must've left in a hurry, Hermione left her pouch." Harry said.
"Was there anything else there?" Fury asked.
"Before I left, they only found several books with writing in them and the pouch. I don't know what else they've found now." Harry stated.
"Alright, let me know what else you've found." Fury stated before ending the call.
"I need sleep." Harry groaned. "I'll finish this tomorrow." Harry said as he looked at his watch. 3 in the morning. Fantastic.
"Not before you eat." Aimee said carrying a plate to him.
"Thank you." Harry said gratefully. He started eating the sandwich with gusto. It was not long after that he started putting his computer back into his bag.
"How much for the food?" Harry asked pulling out his wallet.
"It's on the house." Aimee said.
"Are you sure? I have the money…"
"Keep the money, Harry. We're not open." Aimee said. Harry nodded while putting his wallet back into his pocket.
"Well, I should be going. I'll be back when I get some sleep." Harry said as he walked out of the bar.
Kyrian watched as Harry walked out of the bar.
"He's been through too much for someone in his twenties." Talon said coming up to the man.
"He has. But, I think he's got Zarek on his corner." Kyrian said. He didn't mention that he himself would have to keep an eye out for the raven haired young man. The woman's words rang in his ear. It seems that he was a trouble magnet. Well, there were several people here that could be the same.
"Zarek's not the only one. I think there will be a few that will keep an eye out on him." Talon said. He, himself included.