DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER OR ASSASSIN'S CREED THEY BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS.

A/n: How is everyone doing? Sorry it took me so long to write this but trying to do a crossover like this takes quite a bit of time to do. Plus as you all know my real life sucks I hope with this new job things might start to be a lot easier for me. Writing has become a bit of a pass time while I am waiting and working on drawing projects that I have to do for others. The one other thing that I have to finish is my Game of Thrones art project for my client. It is a huge project so that is also taking much of my time. I won't bore you with the details.

So on the happier note I am finally able to piece together this new chapter for you. This is one of the closing chapters before the new year starts in Hogwarts so hopefully I can get the ball rolling with the plot. As for the contest that is now over with as it is now November.

So with that done it is on to the story.

THE BLACK EAGLE

Chapter 28: The Thunderbird

THE FARM, SOUTH DAKOTA

"Desmond what are you doing?" asked Harry as he observed the little five year old.

They were outside of the Miles' s home on the Farm Facility in America. It was only two weeks away from when they have to return to England to start a new school year, and Harry, Ron and Draco found that they loved it in America. The American Wizarding Community was especially fun to deal with because their laws are not as restrictive as Europe's. In America even though the punishment for breaking the law is twice as severe as Europe's with no prison time for any criminal. They found the laws around the use of Mundane items or No-Maj as the Americans call it is less restrictive. And so the boys had started to learn the use of the computer thanks to Mrs. Miles instructions.

Right now however it was playtime something the boys seem to enjoy and it was good for Desmond. All that training can put a strain on a child's mind so the adults encourage play to help a child learn how to be an Assassin.

So Ron, Harry and Draco are currently playing with Desmond. Hedwig; Harry's snowy owl is currently the target.

"Alright Desmond you have to remember you have to float Hedwig to you alright?" Harry said.

"But why is Hedwig white? Can't she be pink or blue?" asked Desmond.

"Hedwig is white because her kind lives in the arctic where it snows all the time. She is white to blend in with the snow," said Draco.

"But it is summer?" Desmond said.

"Here it is summer where she is from is the North Pole so it is always winter there," Ron said.

"Oh," Desmond replied.

"Alright Desmond try to see if you can bring Hedwig to you," said Draco.

Desmond laughed as he concentrated on trying to bring Hedwig to him. It didn't work instead she is transformed into a brightly colored parrot. Not amused she squawked her annoyance at the boy.

"It's alright girl, Desmond does not have control of his magic yet. He is only a child and has not reached the age where he can officially start training. We are only having a little fun." Harry said to her and tried to pet her only to have his hand bitten.

"Ow!" he said.

"I'm sorry," Desmond said and thought he was in trouble. Tears started to form in his eyes.

"Hey, there now no need to cry Hedwig was just mad that Harry insulted her that's all," Ron said trying to help. The sniffs that came from Desmond was all the three needed to know that all was forgiven. Hedwig was turned back thanks to Harry casting a reversal on her.

The boys continued to play for a bit till the sound of thunder sounded in the sky. Looking up they saw the sky darken as clouds started to roll in once again.

"Aw man! I wanted to play some more," Desmond grumbled.

"You can't play all the time Desmond besides we have to get back to lessons," Harry said.

"Ok," Desmond said glumly as they entered the house again.

LATER THAT EVENING

The three boys stood outside of Remus's home which is on the outskirts of the Farm Facility. Here it is warded against any spells attempting to escape. The boys being older then the much younger Desmond are training with Remus. Standing in a circle they waited while he waved his wand over Hedwig.

"Ibis ad aquilae!" When he said that Hedwig transformed instantly into a large golden eagle.

She looked down at herself in shock at the sight of it.

"Don't worry girl the spell is only temporary it is only cast to help you travel farther then your fellow companions. And it is also good camofladge in places where owls are hunted." Remus said.

Ruffling her feathers Hedwig instantly transformed back into an owl.

"This spell was once used by Roman Assassins it is a way for them to pass messages across the Mediterranean without anyone noticing. Templars often use owls just like anyone else or pigeons. But the Assassins back then used not owls but eagles and ravens too. There are many differences between the birds. The only reason Owls are more favorable then the other two is their silent flying and their intelligence. Owls are night hunters meaning they are nocturnal and hunt at night. The Wizarding folk use owls as means of passing messages across vast distances without Mundane notice. King Arthur had Merlin use his Owl Archimedes to send messages to his lords in Camelot. But there are certain times where owls would be a hinderence and would be killed on the spot if they have messages. So Roman Assassins turned to transfiguration to help. They noticed that no one watches eagles for they fly during the day. So they would disguise their owls as eagles and have them fly the messages to other dens. The messages are disguised as the Eagle's kill to ward off anyone suspecting otherwise. Or they would disguise the message as a marking.

Ravens seem to follow the same pattern. But the difference with Ravens then with both eagles and owls is that Ravens can speak. They can learn to say human words so an owl that is transfigured into a raven can memorize the message and send it to other dens. This helps to hide messages even better for an owl will know instinctively if someone is not a friendly or a recipient. It can then pretend to be a wild raven so that way no one will notice. The owl can also blend in with other ravens and crows to hide in vast numbers for ravens are social birds and numbers hide the one individual. It is only when the coast is clear that the owl can resume flight to the intended target." Remus explained.

"Whoa so assassin's often use transfiguration as a means to send messages?" Ron asked.

"Exactly Ronald, the Order used this means to protect secret messages from being intercepted. Templars often used human messengers but often times will resort to the same measures but unlike us they used pigeons and sometimes seagulls to disguise their owls." he said.

"Seagulls?" Draco asked.

"Inconspicuous and numerous but that bird is reserved for coastal waters only. Pigeons are the other means because mundanes use them as well. However a transfigured pigeon can fly directly to the person's desk. That is another reason why we used eagles and ravens. They are the perfect predator for pidgeons. Falcons are used in the middle east to chase down pigeons and intercept messages. Owls transfigured as falcons can also track down their prey from high altitudes and are good for targeting potential hits," Remus replied.

"Can you demonstrate on Hedwig?" Harry asked.

Remus waved his wand, "Ibis et vulturem," was the reply.

Hedwig instantly turned into a peregrine falcon. She shook her feathers before taking off and testing her wings. After doing a few dives at Harry one leaving a stinky mess the boys laughed as she turned back into an owl and have Harry an affectionate nip.

"I think she likes being a falcon mentor," Harry said laughing.

The sound of thunder was heard once again signalling that the rain was coming once again.

"Well we better head inside. Harry if you would be so kind as to put Hedwig back up into your room. I need to prepare dinner and you boys can help. Draco if you want you can decide what is for dinner," Remus said.

Draco was more then happy to help since he ran into the house to change into something more appropriate for working the kitchen. Ron then followed but Harry noticed something in the passing storm clouds.

It was a silhouette of a gigantic bird. The bird itself was high enough that most people will mistake it for an eagle. But Harry being a magical and an assassin in training saw something else.

Looking further he spotted the six wings and long double tails of the bird as it disappeared into the clouds. Lighting flashed and the bird disappeared leaving behind heavy rain that began to fall. Harry stood there in the rain staring at the bird as if it would reappear. But it didn't so, that meant that Harry was left soaked to the bone.

"Harry! Come on its pouring out!" Ron said to him and Harry snapping out of his stupor ran after Ron into the safety of Remus Lupin's home.

Once he was safely under the rooftop he quickly cast a drying charm on himself as well as a heating charm to warm himself up. Here in the mountains of the Black Hills it often gets rather chilly out despite the summers.

Inside Remus was making hot chocolate for the boys. Desmond was busy coloring in a magical coloring book of his that has moving images on it once he is done. His laughter was hard to miss as he sat there coloring.

"Why were you still out there Harry?" asked Remus as he gave Harry a cup.

"I saw a strange bird mentor," Harry said.

"Oh?" Remus replied.

"Yes, it was a large bird hiding up in the storm clouds. It has six wings and I think it had two tails," Harry replied.

"Harry you must be dreaming there is no such thing as a bird with two tails," Ron replied.

"Actually there is," Remus said as he sat down.

"Oh, Is Harry talking about a Thunderbird Mr. Lupin?" Desmond asked as he closed his book.

"Why yes Desmond I believe Harry spotted the Thunderbird that has been flying around here recently," Remus replied.

"Thunderbird?" Draco said.

"Yes, a cousin of the Phoenix that lives in North America mostly along the western side of the continent. It is known to be rather large and has been known to change the weather quite rapidly," he said.

"That would explain the odd weather," said another voice.

The four boys turned to see Professor Snape there with Willam Miles. Desmond leaped from his spot on the floor and ran to his father who scooped him up in a warm hug. "Ah Mentor Lupin I hope my son has not been too much trouble?" he said.

"Oh no William, Desmond has been a very well behaved," he said.

"Daddy I turned Hedwig into a parrot!" Desmond said happily.

"Hedwig?" William asked.

"Hedwig is my owl familiar Mentor Miles she is upstairs. We were playing some games with Desmond when he turned her into a parrot," Harry replied.

"Oh, well I am sure you can tell me all about it Desmond when we get home. It is getting rather late and Amelia and I have some games planned for you," he said.

"Can Harry, Ron and Draco come?" Desmond asked.

"No, Desmond they need to keep up with their studies besides your mother and I want to spend time with you. It is not often daddy and mommy spend time with you son," William replied while walking out the door.

When he closed the door Severus turned to the three boys, "So what is this about a Thunderbird?" he said.

"There is a Thunderbird nest is not far from the Farm Severus. The bird has appeared recently, hence the storms," Remus replied with a shrug.

"And how recent is recent Remus?" Severus asked.

"About a month or two before you showed up with the boys around April I think. If I had to guess this one is a fledgling just fresh out of the nest. Usually the really young ones don't have much control over the weather yet," Remus said.

"I should have been informed of this earlier," Severus replied and Remus frowned until he saw the look of amusement on his face.

"You're thinking about your meeting with the Ilvermorny School's Potion's Master is that right?" Remus said his amusement was clearly showing on his face.

Severus gave a snort and a smirk when he thought about the American school of magic...As well as it's potions master.

"Ah yes that school in America that was created by the descendant of an Assassin yes. It is an interesting school; in fact one of its houses is called the Thunderbird. It is similar to Slytherin house in its attributes. Though theirs is a bit different in terms of sorting and wand use. I had an interesting chat with the Potion's master there and she tells me that for some reason Europe wants large quantities of live Thunderbird Feathers and Horned Serpent venom. Things that are both illegal to have in America and illegal to ship to other countries. For both creatures are on the endangered species list here in America as well as internationally. The Thunderbird being a symbol of the American School as well as the Horned Serpent. I then traced the paperwork directly towards Albus Dumbledore. I had spoken to the council here about it and my findings. And since they are not good at all we will need to be extra vigilant. Both items have very powerful magical properties in them and if used right..." Severus replied.

"They can be used to break wards," Remus replied.

"Ward breakers?" Ron said.

"You know something Ronald?" asked Severus looking at the youngest Weasley boy.

"My brother Bill is a cursebreaker for Gringotts maybe he might know a thing or two about it?" Ron asked.

"You could be right, but we will need to do this carefully. Ronald why don't you tell your brother that you are doing a report on illegal potion's ingredients and say that you are assigned to those ingredients. I can make a paper of the assignment as a way to show proof. Tell him what you want, but see if you can get a letter to him," Severus said and Ron nodded before heading off to his room to write his letter.

Harry and Draco both sat there waiting for their assignments, "Draco since you are good with cooking and potions you and I will work on dinner as well as go over various potions books to see what sort of potions can use those ingredients. Harry, Remus we need to check the wards around here I have a feeling that the Thunderbird's presence here and the frequent storms means that we might have unwanted visitors," Severus said.

Both Remus and Harry nodded before packing their wands and various weapons before heading out.

IN THE FOREST

"Mentor Lupin?"

"Yes, Harry?" Remus said to the young boy.

"So can you tell me more about the Thunderbird?" Harry asked.

"Sure, what would you want to know about them?" replied Remus as he kept an eye on the setting sun and the eastern horizon for the rising moon. Tonight was the night of the full moon and Remus knew that he would be a wolf most of the night. Thankfully he would be an ordinary wolf not a monster to be feared.

"Well can you tell me more about them in general, I mean I have never heard of a bird called a Thunderbird before. Do they really create thunder?" Harry asked.

"Yes, they can create thunder hence the name," Remus replied as they walked through the woods.

The wards surrounding the Farm are distributed to areas in the Black Hills in order to keep the area safe as well as to train the newest Assassin's in the art of survival. Remus and Harry had been walking into the forest for sometime. The songs of birds filled the air in the early evening. It was already dark when the two made camp and it was here that both Remus and Harry had their chat.

"That must be some powerful magic to be able to do that?" Harry asked.

"Yes, Thunderbirds get their name from their ability to change the weather. They are a cousin to the phoenix, a bird you are familiar with because it is native to Europe, Africa and Asia. The Thunderbird is native to the Americas and unlike the phoenix is a predator and an omnivore meaning they eat both flesh and fruit. Phoenix's are strictly vegetarians." Remus replied.

"Can they be reborn from the ashes like a phoenix?. I read it once in a Mundane fantasy shop," Harry asked.

"No, unlike a phoenix, a Thunderbird can't be reborn from its ashes. In fact it does not even light itself on fire. Thunderbirds are like normal birds they have mates and they lay eggs just like any other bird. But unlike any other bird a Thunderbird's mood is based on the weather. In some native cultures they are creatures of justice and strength others tricksters that steal children. Thunderbirds are intelligent creatures and are often seen as spirits of weather. But the reality is thunderbirds are shy creatures and their feathers are used in wands by American wizards. But unlike other people who pluck them American Wizards use the feathers already shed from the nests. The birds don't mind because they sense you are not a threat to them. But unlike the American Wizards those from the Old World meaning Europe and Africa tend to use feathers from live birds for the purpose of sensing danger or breaking curses. That is why the Thunderbird is found mostly in the Arizona Desert in the southwestern United States. They had been hunted to nearly extinction. MACUSA or the American Magical Congress has passed a law stating that it is illegal to hunt the birds since it is such a sacred creature. But that has not stopped the illegal trade and they are guarded rather closely." Remus explained.

"But why is one here?" Harry asked.

"I don't know, it must have broken away from the main area because the population is finally growing. The trade for illegal Thunderbird feathers has gone down immensely lately." Remus then looked up to see the moon start to rise.

It was a full moon tonight meaning he has to take his wolf form. Sighing he allowed his form to shift into its large wolf shape which is a large brown wolf. Harry sensing this quickly packed up the camp and doused the fire with a flick of his wand. He also used it to move everything back into place to prevent anyone from knowing they were here. Remus offered his back since Harry is small enough to ride him.

Getting on the boy was lifted as Remus took off into the woods. They so far had checked three of the ward stones that surround the black hills near the Assassin's base. These are found near human habitation but there are a further four out in the forest and the fields of the Farm. This is a way to protect them from danger and to ward off unwanted visitors. They managed to find three of the stones and checked for the strength of their magic. Harry thankfully knew how to strengthen wards so he added some of his magic to it to strengthen it. The fourth and final ward unfortunately is found high up on a tall cliff meaning that the ward stone is up there.

"Do we really have to go up there?" Harry asked his teacher.

Remus in his wolf form turned towards the boy and with golden eyes gave a deep stare.

"I take it as a yes," Harry sighed and pulled out a stick from his pocket.

He then waved his hand over it and it transformed into his Nimbus 2000. Getting on Harry flew towads the top of the cliff but what he found startled him. There at the top of a cliff was the same bird he saw earlier. Only it was not healthy at all! The bird was wounded and it was covered in a net. Harry quickly rushed back down the cliff to a waiting Remus.

"Mentor there is a Thunderbird up there wounded it is also in nets!" he said.

Remus growled low in his throat his fangs were bared.

"I understand sir," Harry then used a levitation charm to lift Remus and flew back up the cliff towards the Thunderbird. When they got there the first thing Remus did was check the stone where the ward was kept. It was a well hidden rock just behind the cliff face and what he found there was not good. He whimpered to Harry who quickly ran to where he was at. Cursing the boy went to work in repairing the item used to create the wards. The item itself was a small piece of bone it was now shattered and the engravings on it had disappeared. It would not destroy the wards but it had weakened them and so Harry had to transfer the magic to another object which to his luck was a large boulder. This one was too large to move and was halfway buried in the mountain. Thankfully he learned how to create such wards from a book he read in the Library in Jerusalem. Taking a drop of blood from his hand he etched the markings he needed into the stone. Then saying a quick spell in Arabic and another in his best pronunciation of the Lakota and Dakota languages to tie the wards down.

Once that was done he turned towards the wounded Thunderbird. The bird had its eyes closed and its breath came in huge gasps. There was a large gaping wound on its side. The wound was fresh and with each breath blood would seep out further.

"Mentor?" Harry said to Remus.

The long howl that Remus gave was enough for Harry to try and get to the Thunderbird. But when he touched the animal it's eyes woke and a mighty heave tried to shove at Harry. The animal bit and snapped at the boy and lightning arched from its feathers. Suddenly lighting started to strike from the skies. The bird screeched in fear as Harry was trying to get it to stop.

Remus the wolf leaped onto it to hold it down but the Thunderbird electrocuted Remus forcing the werewolf into the rocks. Harry tried to help but he was thrown over the cliff by a stray wing. As he felt himself fall he instantly threw his hand out and his knife came to hand. The knife was attached to a rope which he threw out of desperation.

Remus quickly sped there and grabbed the rope between his jaws. He used all four of his paws to pull Harry back up onto the cliff once again. The boy thankful looked at the struggling bird. Its feathers were ruffled and blood was pouring out of the many wounds on its body, but Harry saw that it is weakening.

Then a cry was heard and a black shape landed before them. Transforming into a man Severus came into view. He quickly leaned over and helped Harry back on his feet. The rain that came from the bird was sporadic as it protested. Severus was the first to come to the bird and began to whisper to it. The bird slowed its struggling and whined but Severus kept soothing it. Soon he waved his hand and the bird was asleep. He quickly dispelled the nets and shrank it into a box he transfigured from the net.

"I had embued it with suspension charms that should hold it till we get back to the Farm. How are the wards?" Severus asked Harry since Remus is still in wolf form.

"This one was the only one that was weak mentor. I had to change to anchor because the Thunderbird damaged the original." Harry said pointing to the now broken set of bones.

"Shit! this is not good that means that someone must have gotten through. If the Thunderbird was in nets that means we have poachers here. Remus since you are a wolf, your nose is strongest. You and I will hunt for these poachers. Young Harry here will have to take the Thunderbird back to the Farm. Have Mentor William set up an emergency camp for it. Draco knows which potions are good for magical birds. Go now!" Severus said Harry did not waste time as he leaped onto his broom and few off towards the Farm.

Remus and Severus remained to inspect the area the Thunderbird was captured. Remus sniffed the ground and growled low in his throat. Severus walked towards the area and used his wand to inspect the magical residue. Enchanting a spell he managed to see what Remus saw.

"I see," he said and turned into an eagle to fly off with Remus following on the ground.

MEANWHILE

Harry flew as fast as he could across the forests the box containing the thunderbird was starting to leak with its blood. When he saw the lights of the farm below him he banked before landing.

"Mentor Miles! Mentor Miles!" Harry called as he banged on the door of the Mile's home.

William quickly answered the door, "Harry what is it?" he saw the distressed look on the boy.

"We have trouble and I will need your help." he said and explained the situation.

It took a bit for everyone to gather and for Draco to get the right potions needed to treat the animal. Harry quickly undid the charms that Severus placed on the thunderbird for one of the assassins was a veterinarian due to the animals that needed care. They quickly were on the scene with Draco quickly pouring potions into its mouth. The vet was quick to stitch up the wounds but the Thunderbird was fading. "I don't know what to do!" he said finally looking at the animal.

"I gotten some blood replenishing potions down its throat along with some pepper up and fever reducer. The spells that had hit the animal were bad I will have to wait for Mentor Severus to return. He is a trained healer and would know more," Draco said to William as he saw the creature there for the first time.

"Pappa?" a soft voice said and everyone turned to see Desmond looking sleepy come down from the porch.

"Desmond go back to bed this is not the time for you to run around," William said scooping up his son.

"But daddy I heard a bird crying he was crying in my dreams. He wants me to help!" Desmond said looking up at William.

Harry, Ron and Draco looked in shock when Desmond said that and William tried to shush his son, "Desmond it is just a dream go back to bed it is late," William tried to coax his son.

"No daddy I heard it, I heard it!" Desmond said.

"Mentor Miles," Harry said interrupting.

"Yes?" William said turning to Harry.

"I think you should let Desmond look at the Thunderbird," he said.

"Really? Why would I?" asked William.

"Well if I remember reading right some familiar bonds are formed by dreams. When I found Hedwig it was a warm feeling that came over me. A dream of being in a land of always winter. Maybe Desmond is experiencing the same thing?" Harry said.

"Harry are you sure?" asked Ron.

"I think so but we won't know for sure until Mentor Snape and Mentor Lupin return. They are more knowledgeable in magic then we are," Harry replied.

"Why don't we do this in the morning boys, Desmond honey the bird is very sick and hurt and it would do you both good if you let it rest," Amelia said for the first time interrupting the conversation.

"But mamma the bird is hurt," Desmond said.

"We know that honey and we are trying our best to make it better but it needs to rest. When you are up in the morning then we can see the bird ok," she said to him.

The five year old was not having it, "No, the bird needs me mamma it needs me!"

Desmond started to cry and Amelia quickly took him from William and started to shush him. But Desmond's crying became louder and screechier. Amelia hugged him close trying to comfort him as she led him away back towards the house. He was kicking and screaming the whole way.

The three boys turned towards the mundane mentor, "We are sorry for that sir," said Ron.

"No, no I am sorry about my son's behavior, and I am just surprised that we managed to bring in such a...legendary bird. From what I remember mentor Davenport saying a thunderbird is a creature of justice and a punisher of wrong doing. Sometimes I wonder about such things," he said before Desmond's creaming could be heard from where they were.

"I better go help my wife deal with my son. I sure hope your mentor returns soon for if you are right young Harry then we need to settle this with my son and the Thunderbird soon," with that they watched William leave the area disgruntled.

The three boys looked on at the resting bird as more of the assassins who had observed their spectacle went to bed or went on patrol. The only one who remained was the Vet and the three boys who helped with potions to aid in healing.

It was not till the three boys went to bed that they could still see the tent where the thunderbird rested. Its large form lay motionless on the ground and the rise and fall of its chest was the only indicator of its health. Though they can still hear the sounds of its breathing from where they are at.

"Do you think it will live?" Ron asked.

"I don't know it was pretty badly wounded when Harry brought it in," replied Draco.

"Those poachers are out there. I hope Mentor Snape and Mentor Lupin can find them," Harry replied before he too succumed to sleep.

TBC

A/N: Whew I have to apologize profusely about the sudden update about a week ago with no chapter. That was just me cleaning house and getting rid of the chapter with the contest rules on it. After all the contest is officially over and from the lack of responses no one paid attention to it and it was partially my fault for not advertising more. But at least I can make it up to you guys with this chapter. It was inspired by Fantastic Beasts and I finally saw the second one and the idea came up. So one or two more chapters before we can start year two of Harry's adventures in Hogwarts. But don't worry we have more of Desmond for those of you who are fans of this A.C. character later in the next chapter. So for now and always please leave a review and no BASHINGS, LORE MONGERS, OR FLAMES PLEASE! Thanks a million.