Disclaimer: Don't own Harry Potter or Captain America

Foreign language taken from online translation site so sorry if it's wrong. Not that you need to know what it says as the person listening doesn't.

An Icy Fall

Pain. There was nothing else but pain as he thrashed weakly, soft whimpers coming from him. He couldn't move, couldn't speak, couldn't remember. Slowly another sensation emerged to join the pain, a freezing wet cold. And as the cold seeped in the pain began to fade as his senses dulled. Crimson stained the snow around him even as dull blue eyes stared vacantly at the sky.

Sloshing through the snow of Siberia was not his idea of fun but Harry could not leave all that noise un-investigated. He knew there was a train track nearby, set high in the mountains, and was worried it had derailed or something. He was thankful for warming charms and thick boots even as the sky darkened. He walked around an outcropping of rock and froze for a second before breaking into a run, snow was not meant to be crimson. He dropped to his knees in the melting snow and cast Homenum Revelio, revealed when the spell revealed the man before him. He looked white as death and Harry couldn't detect any breath so he worked quickly. A quick Episkey took care of most of the minor wounds, lessening the amount of blood he was losing from what was left of his left arm while Ferula bandaged others. The man shifted slightly and Harry cast Petrificus Totalus to keep him from moving and ruining his work. Tergeo helped remove some of the blood and other bodily fluids so he could get a better look at what he was trying to treat. Whatever had happened had been very traumatic and Harry gently rolled the unmoving body to the side to feel down his spine for any breaks since it was best to work on those as soon as possible. Amazing there were none. He levitated him and took off for home, a small wooden hut nearby.


Waking was a long hard process but eventually he forced his eyes open, blinking them clear to stare up at a wooden ceiling. He tried to move only to cry out in pain worse than anything he'd ever felt before, even in Zola's lab. As the pain finally faded to more manageable levels he felt hands on him and heard a voice calling to him. He struggled to focus again, terrified, only to find green eyes locked on him.

"Ты в порядке, просто успокоиться"

The sound of Russian had him wary, they might not side with Germany but they weren't on America's side either. "Не русский" He gave the one Russian phrase he knew, that he didn't know Russian, and found the other man chuckling at his answer.

"Well from your accent I guess English will do. Just take it easy and don't try to move."

"What…." He coughed and grimaced at the pain it caused. A cup of cool liquid was pressed to his lips and he drank, despite the danger. Why would someone save him and then poison him?

"You're badly hurt and very lucky I found you before any soldiers did. I've patched you up but healing is going to take time." His saviour told him before his hands came up to check something and Bucky realised he had a lot of bandages on and not much else.

"Where am I?"

"Still in Siberia. I was here on a research project when the war broke out and well, getting back out of the place was going to be more dangerous than staying. Once you're up for travel though I guess we'll be risking it to get you home."

"British?"

"Good guess. Harry Potter at your service."

"Sergeant Barnes, Bucky." He gave his own name.

"Nice to meet you Sergeant Barnes. How's the pain?"

"Tolerable."

"In other words you're in agony, typical soldier." Harry grinned but then grabbed another cup. "All I've got is herbal medicines, they taste foul but do the job." He placed it to Bucky's lips and he drank, gagging at the taste. "Now get some sleep, best aide to healing you can get is rest." He wanted to say he wasn't tired but he was struggling to keep his eyes open. "It's alright, I'll keep you safe." Harry whispered and Bucky distantly felt a hand stroking through his hair as sleep claimed him.

The next time Bucky woke he was alone in the room and fighting back tears of pain. He tried to move his arm to alleviate some of it and nearly screamed. He took deep breaths and bit his lip to keep from whimpering. He turned his head and stared blankly, mind not wanting to register what he was seeing. His arm…he shook his head and took a deep breath before lifting the other hand and reaching across his body. Ever so hesitantly he touched the bandaged stump and then promptly threw up. He didn't hear Harry come in but he was soon being held with his head over a bucket as he heaved. Once he was done Harry laid him back down but Bucky was in shock. Where was his arm?

Harry quickly vanished the mess, not like Barnes would notice in his current state, and then wrapped him up in more blankets before going to get some soothing tea. He gently tipped the liquid down his throat, knowing the poor man was in shock and trying to deny his worst injury. Thanks to magic few of the other wounds had scared and those scars would be easy to hide. But on early Twentieth Century Earth there was nothing that could be done about his arm. Harry had looked for it; he'd found him in time to heal them together but he hadn't been able to find anything.


Bucky slowly moved around the three room hut, Harry nearby in case he needed help. He'd never realised how much he relied on having two arms for simple things like balancing when walking! But he pushed on, refusing to give up. He had to be ready to leave once the weather was clearer, he had to get back to Steve. He'd seen his face as he fell and was scared for him. Just look at what he had done when Bucky was captured but thinking he was dead? He had to get back before the punk did something really dumb. Steve was the only reason to go back, he was honestly scared of seeing people's reactions. He'd seen the looks other wounded soldiers got and now he'd get those looks. Even if he was healing fast, something that had happened ever since the lab, it still wouldn't give him his arm back.

He didn't know what to think of his host, even after a month sharing the place with him. who in their right mind moved to Siberia even if there hadn't been a war when he'd done so? And staying rather than going home to fight? It didn't sit right, especially when he could tell Harry had training, it was in the way he moved. But Harry had done nothing to harm him or ask for any classified information unless that was to come once he was well? And how was it no one had found them? He had so many questions and no answers.


Bucky froze as heard a sound he really didn't want to hear. He moved to the window to find a group of soldiers nearing the hut. "Harry!" he felt a hand come to rest on his uninjured shoulder.

"Relax Bucky, I told you you're safe here." Harry soothed, green eyes narrowed as he watched the soldiers. "They will not find us." He promised and Bucky watched in confusion and fear as the soldiers passed y, never even glancing at the hut.

"They didn't even look."

"When I protect a place I ensure no one will find it."

"How?" Bucky turned to look at his host who shrugged.

"Does it really matter? Everyone has their own gifts."

Bucky hesitated but then let it go, hoping he was doing the right thing in trusting him.


Harry hefted the pack of supplies before leading Bucky out into the desolate mountains. Warming charms helped keep the cold out of their clothes as the moved through the snow, Harry staying close to his side as they hiked towards the border. Harry was aiming for Poland, yes it was occupied but there were Allied troops there that they could meet up with. Of course they first had to make it to Poland which was not going to be easy if they simply walked. There were too many roadblocks to try stealing a vehicle and stowing away in a truck or on a train was just as risky. That left magic and Harry wasn't sure whether or not to reveal himself to Bucky, he knew the soldier was still wary of him. he could always knock him out and drop him close to Allied soldiers but then Bucky would face a lot of questions he couldn't answer. But he could shorten the trip…. Bucky didn't know how far from the border the hut was, Harry Had never told him how far from the train he lived. It wasn't a lot but it would help.


Bucky looked at the soldiers and then to Harry and grinned. They could hear them talking and their accents were definitely American, so were their uniforms. So the two men stood and walked towards them only to raise their hands and stop when ordered to. "Identify yourselves!"

"Sergeant James Buchanan Barnes, 32557038."

"Dr Harry Potter, civilian. English."

Guns were slowly lowered and they were ushered deeper into the group to sit before the fire and warm up.

"Sergeant Barnes? From the howling Commandos?" The Captain in charge asked and Bucky nodded. "You were reported dead."

"Killed in Action." Bucky agreed. "Would have been if Dr Potter hadn't found me and patched me up."

"We'll contact command and let them know as soon as possible. We can only spare you one soldier as escort back to safety."

"That's fine. We made it this far alone Sir."


Colonel Philips stared in shock at the dead man sitting on the cot in the medical tent. It wasn't possible and yet here he was, Sergeant Barnes once again back form the dead although this time he wasn't whole and healthy. With a missing arm he'd be discharged and shipped home pretty fast. He'd heard Captain Rogers report himself, how could anyone have survived that fall. His eyes travelled to another cot nearby where a young Englishman lay staring at the ceiling. He'd sent for a records check with the British to see if he was who he said, there had been too many spies in this war. But Dr Potters records had arrived that morning and everything matched up. It had been cowardly to try and sit things out in Siberia but it meant he had lived to save Barnes when the rest of his research team had died trying to get through.

"Sergeant." He called and watched as Barnes tried to leap up only to overbalance but Potter was there, steading him. "At ease son."

"Colonel. The others, did they make it?"

"The mission was a success with you as the only casualty. They are out at the moment but are expected back in two days."

"Will I still be here sir?"

"Well it seems we lost your medical paperwork so you're stuck here till we find it. Just rest and we'll find it eventually."

"Thank you sir." The relief was very obvious and Philips didn't blame him, the Commandos were a tight unit, not being able to see them all before being shipped back would have hurt him deeply after so long alone.

"Dr Potter."

"Colonel."

"Got your papers finally. We could use your help if you'd like to stay?"

"Help with what?"

"Mr Stark can fill you in. Otherwise you'll be flown back to London tonight."

"I'll hear him out."

"Good to hear."


Steve stared blankly at the Colonel before bolting for the medical tent and looking around wildly. "Bucky?" He called and then he saw his best friend rising from a cot. He rushed over and pulled him into a hug. "You're alive." He choked.

"Ease up Stevie, need to breath." Bucky got out even as he returned the hug as best he could. He knew Steve hadn't seen it yet and didn't really want him too but then Steve stepped back a little, frowning slightly until he registered what was different. "I'm okay Steve, I'm alive."

"Your arm…"

"Yeah. They're shipping back home once the Colonel finds the paperwork."

"What'll you do?"

"Get a job, army will pay me too. I'll find an apartment for when this is done and you come home too."

"I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault punk. I know you tried to pull me up. I don't want you blaming yourself for this." He demanded and then the others were there, pulling him into hugs of relief and talking a mile a minute.

"He will be alright you know."

Steve startled at the unfamiliar voice and looked over to see a man about his own age but dressed in civilian clothing. "Who are you?"

"Harry Potter, the person who patched him up and brought him back."

"Thank you. If I can do anything."

"Nothing." Harry cut him off. "I didn't do it for thanks. He's lost an arm but he's still Bucky, don't treat him differently."

"I won't." Steve swore and Harry smiled.

"Good. Nice meeting you Cap."


Bucky paced the London HQ. he hated being stuck there while Steve and the others geared up for a final assault on Hydra. Even Harry was going! He was going to help with some sciencey thing he and Stark had cooked up to counter Hydra weapons. It seemed like no time at all before goodbyes were being said and then they left, even Philips and Peggy were going. He hated feeling so useless. So he went to one of the radio stations and got the headset on, he could help with communications. Listening to the explosions and calls for medics or orders was horrible but then it all went silent as they listened to Steve. He shakily turned on his mic and then hesitated what could he say? "Steve?"

"Bucky?"

"You listen to me punk, you find something semi-solid and you land. I didn't survive that fall just to hear you die." He growled out and he heard Steve chuckle.

"Sorry Buck but it's all icy water."

"No it's not Captain, adjust your course to the following." Harry's voice came on and Bucky silently cheered. "Looks like an ice sheet, it may not hold long though so land and get clear. You should be able to handle a short swim in those waters. Make sure you've got a flare. Philips is scrambling rescue planes now."

"Controls are pretty stuck but I'll try."

"You can always jump before it hits Steve." Bucky pointed out. Then all he could do was wait as they all listened to Steve try to adjust course but in the end he bailed out.


Harry watched Bucky pace restlessly. "It won't help him if you make yourself sick with worry."

"What if they don't find him? What if he's…"

"He's not dead Bucky." Harry knew he wasn't since he'd tagged all the group with monitoring charms. Steve was very cold, too cold for a normal human to survive, but he was alive. "You heard Howard, he'll look till he finds him." Harry had his suspicions about Bucky and Steve but wouldn't say anything, not in the 1940's. this was not a good time period for anything to be said if he was right about them.

He kept Bucky company for the next six days, making sure he ate and slept until suddenly one of the communications officers let out a cheer and all attention was suddenly on the young corporal. "They've got him! They found the Captain." He practically shouted and Harry steadied Bucky as he sagged.

"Forward the news to the Commandos if you can." Harry told him and despite being a civilian they listened and began spreading the word to those still taking down the remaining Hydra bases.


Harry grinned as Steve was helped down the ramp and Bucky was suddenly at his side, letting his friend lean on him. As they passed him he reached out to clasp Steve's arm and got a tired smile in response. "Thank you Harry. The ice held."

"Told you it would. Now go get some hot food and then sleep."

"Yes sir." Steve gave a sloppy salute and the three laughed before Harry took his other side and they made their way inside. They got him to his room and then Harry went to get him some hot soup and bread. Steve wolfed it down and then practically passed out on his bed so Harry left Bucky to watch over him.


The three men helped pack up the equipment and files, two of them still in a bit of shock. The war was finally over, Germany and Japan had surrendered. Bucky was finally being sent back to the States but Steve was staying longer to help finish cleaning up Hydra now that he was fully recovered from nearly freezing and Harry was staying on as well. He did not like what he had seen of Hydra at all and knew they needed to be destroyed. So he would lend his scientific knowledge to track them down. He'd gone behind Bucky's back to buy an apartment in New York for him and Steve, one that was in a nice part of the city and there was an account set up to continue paying for it and anything they needed for at least fifteen years. No one could say he didn't look out for his friends. It had three bedrooms to keep up appearances if he was right and if he was wrong then they had enough rooms for them and a guest.

Bucky put the lid on the last box and looked around the London base sadly. "Guess this is it."

"Hey, we'll see you soon. Can't be too many bases left." Harry pointed out and Bucky blinked.

"But I'm going back to America."

"Yah, so am I. Accepted a job with Howard once we're done here."

"Really?"

"Yeah, apparently when you pick up a stray it's your job to keep them out of trouble." Harry smirked and Bucky rolled his eyes.

"Thanks a lot Harry." He carefully lifted the box of files and went to put it on the trolley. Howard was already designing a fake arm for him and Harry wished he could do it but the technology for a really good prosthetic just didn't exist yet so Bucky would have to make do.


Harry shot the man coming up behind Peggy and then kicked another soldiers knee hard enough to dislocate it, sending him to the ground before a knife found his throat even as Steve's shield went flying by to take out another five. "Sniper!" The sudden call went up and they all ducked for cover while trying to find the hidden gunman. Harry looked around and then went for different cover but didn't make it. He felt a sharp pain and then nothing.

"Harry!" Steve screamed as he saw him go down, he took aim in the direction the shot had come from and fired, taking out the soldier that had killed his friend. Peggy went to pull Harry to cover, hoping he was still alive only to scramble back as Harry suddenly burst into flames, leaving nothing but ash behind.


"Well?" Peggy looked at the two men who both read the brief again and then looked at each other, communicating silently.

"We're in." Bucky grinned and she smiled back.

"Who else have you got?"

"Howard and Colonel Philips. Originally Harry would have been asked too." She admitted and the room fell silent in sadness. If it wasn't for Harry Bucky would be dead and so might Steve.

"Well, welcome to the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division gentlemen."

"We need to call it something else, that is way too long." Steve commented and Bucky grinned.

"How about SHIELD?"


Nick Fury stared in awe at the two living legends as they laughed and chatted together. He had never thought to meet two of the original founders of SHIELD. All the others were dead or retired due to old age. But the two soldiers didn't look any older than the pictures in their military files. And now he was going to be working with them. It was an honour he had never imagined but he was a spy so he kept his face carefully neutral. The super soldier serum, either Erskine's' version or the bastardised version Barnes had received, had a few unintended side effects that no one could have predicted, leaving the two eighty-year-old men looking like they were still in their twenties.

"Take a seat everyone. Let's get this briefing underway." Steve finally called and took his own seat at the head of the table. It was his turn to be the director for the next decade or so and then Bucky would take his turn. The one time they had decided to let someone else have the job they had brought in ex-Nazi and Hydra scientists for some projects…. that was something they would never let happen again. They both knew they hadn't fully destroyed Hydra after the war and they would not allow it to hide within Shield. Three times they had caught Hydra agents hiding in their ranks and every time they purged them. One day they would destroy the organisation for good, for the Commando's, for Peggy and Philips, for Harry and for what they had done to Bucky. Though Steve had to admit he was glad Bucky had been given the serum knock off or else he would be all alone, instead he still had his best friend with him. All thanks to Zola's experiments and Harry being in the right place at the right time to save him. He glanced at Bucky and smiled when he saw him trying to get Fury to smile. No one had succeeded so far since the young spy had been transferred to Washington DC but if there was one thing the two of them had it was time.

TBC….

Harry's line translates to - Are you all right, just calm down

Got Bucky's serial number off a fansite.