25 June 2015
Harry woke feeling far more rested than he would have expected, given that he spent much of the night tossing and turning, reliving bits and pieces of the third task and the confrontation in the cemetery in his dreams.
A glance at the clock on his bedside table told him it was nearly noon - which explained why he felt rested, even if he'd been tossing and turning until three or four in the morning.
"Good morning, young sir."
"Morning, JARVIS," Harry answered as the windows in his bedroom lightened to reveal the London skyline.
After Dad and Sirius had assured the Aurors that they'd all be available to give their statements today, they had portkeyed back to Stark Tower - Docklands and eventually gone to bed.
Now, as daylight streamed through his windows, Harry rolled out of bed and to the bathroom. There was no sense putting off whatever waited for him in the aftermath of the night's events.
After a shower and shave, Harry left his room. "Where should I go, JARVIS?"
"Sir and the others are in the conference room on the fiftieth floor."
"Do I have time for breakfast - or should that be lunch? - first?"
"A mini-buffet has been set up in the conference room," JARVIS answered. "Dobby replenishes it as needed."
"Right." Harry blew out a breath and headed for the elevator. "Let's get this over with."
Minutes later, Harry emerged from the elevator and turned toward the conference room. Thanks to its glass walls, he could see Dad and the rest of the Avengers congregated around the near end of the conference table.
The Tonkses were there, as well as Andrea Thomas and … Albus Dumbledore.
Harry frowned at the sight of his former headmaster, but continued into the room. The mini-buffet JARVIS had mentioned had been set up on the credenza that lined the near side of the room, and Harry headed straight for it with a, "Good morning, everyone."
Various greetings answered him as he focused on loading up a plate with scrambled eggs, streaky bacon, cottage potatoes, and grilled tomatoes. If he were still hungry after that, he'd come back for hotcakes.
His plate full, he turned back to the conference table and started toward the empty seat next to Thor.
"We've been taking everyone's statements," Andrea Thomas said. "Just finished with the last, Doctor Banner's. If you don't mind talking while you eat, we can take yours now."
Harry paused at the chair to look at, "Dad? You okay with that?"
"Entirely up to you," Dad replied. "Either way, at least one of the Tonkses will sit with you."
"I have assured you," Dumbledore said, "that is entirely unnecessary."
"And I don't care," Dad declared. "It's part of an official investigation. His lawyers stay. End of discussion."
"I don't mind," Harry said quickly. "Rather get it over with, in any case."
"Then take a seat." Thomas gestured toward the far end of the table. "I'll put up a privacy charm so they can't hear anything we say - to avoid tainting your testimony," she added in response to what Harry knew was his inquiring frown.
Andromeda Tonks rose from her chair and moved toward the far end. "Come sit beside me, Harry."
Harry did so and began to eat, trusting her to ensure all the correct procedures were followed.
He was down to the last bit of bacon and a stray grilled tomato when someone - Thomas, maybe? - cleared a throat.
Harry looked up to see that Andrea Thomas was, in fact, sitting across from him, a Dicta-Quill set up beside her to match the one beside Andromeda Tonks. Beside her sat Albus Dumbledore.
Harry frowned. "Why is he here? On this side of the privacy charm, I mean?"
"Perhaps you don't recall, as you've spent so much time away from Britain recently," Dumbledore began in a voice Harry supposed was meant to be grandfatherly but came across as condescending, "but I am the Supreme Mugwump of the ICW, the body which is leading this investigation."
Harry gave him a glare he'd practiced - still not as devastating as Dad's, of course, but enough to make Dumbledore blink in surprise. Harry counted it a win.
"Of course," he said. "But what business do you have investigating anything? I don't recall Auror or private investigator license being amongst your many accomplishments."
Beside him, Andromeda cleared her throat. "Albus is a great wizard-"
"I never said otherwise." Harry turned his glare on her. "But as my lawyer, you should be representing my interests - and I'm suing him … or didn't you file those lawsuits?"
He knew she - or her husband - had, of course; he'd been at Hogwarts when certain parties were served.
She flushed, but recovered quickly. "Of course. My apologies. My client is quite correct. Dumbledore has no business listening in on this interview - and I must ask you to require an Unbreakable Vow of him not to speak or act on anything he heard while in attendance today until my client's lawsuits have run their course."
"Now, Andromeda," Dumbledore began, only for her to cut him off.
"Familiarity is inappropriate in this circumstance," she snapped.
"Madam Tonks," Dumbledore began again, stiffly, "that is quite unnecessary. I am capable of separating my positions."
"Capable of is not the same as will," Andromeda said. "The vow, or else I must advise my client not to answer any questions at this time."
"But what if something I hear today is of importance to other threats to the Wizarding World?" Dumbledore asked. "I must be free to act on it in that circumstance."
"Then," Andrea Thomas said, "you can consult with me or Madam Tonks, and we can release you from the vow for that limited circumstance. You have a conflict of interest in this investigation, Supreme Mugwump, and they are quite correct to protect their rights."
Dumbledore scowled, so briefly Harry almost missed it, but his expression was even when he answered. "If I withdraw to the other side of the privacy charm, will that be sufficient?"
Andromeda looked at Harry, and it was on the tip of his tongue to agree, but some of Uncle Steve's and Agent Tony's instruction came back to him, and he hedged. "That's sufficient for me, but I wasn't here before. Did you sit in on interviews with Dad? Sirius? Anyone else involved in the lawsuits?"
Dumbledore's expression, not to mention Thomas', answered in the affirmative.
"Make the vow, Supreme Mugwump," Thomas said. "And then withdraw to the other side of the privacy charms."
Several minutes passed while the exact wording of the vow was negotiated. Then Dumbledore swore to Andromeda with Hit Witch Tomas as the binder and rose from his chair to cross to the mini-buffet and make a cup of tea.
"Now, Mr. Potter," Thomas began, but he held up a hand.
"Would one of you check for listening charms, or anything else that might compromise the privacy charms?"
"Do you honestly think he'd do something like that?" Andromeda asked.
Harry shrugged. "I know he left me on my aunt's doorstep without so much as a by your leave. I know he kept James Potter's invisibility cloak when he knew Mum and James were in danger. I know he didn't even try to get me out of the Triwizard Tournament. I have no reason to trust him, so I'm being thorough."
"Very wise, Mr. Potter," Thomas said. "But I cast detection charms and dispelling charms. I found nothing, but the extra precaution is appreciated."
"Thank you, Madam Thomas," Harry said and settled to wait for her first question.
HP - IM - HP - IM - HP
Once Harry's statement - the last to do with the Triwizard Tournament - had been given, Tony stood from his place at the conference table.
"Thank you all for your courtesy in allowing us to give our statements here," he said. "Just one more thing to deal with. Harry, Avengers - stay. Hit Witch Thomas and Madam Bones, too," he added, almost as an afterthought.
The others rose and either apparated out or started for the door. Sirius gave him a nod and activated a small communication mirror - mirror! Tony shook his head.
"If it concerns Mesdames Bones and Thomas in their official capacities," Dumbledore said, breaking into Tony's thoughts, "then I shall stay as well."
Tony hesitated, but no instruction to the contrary came through the earwig he wore. So he nodded nonchalantly and headed back to his seat. "Sure, whatever. J, we're ready for the others."
Tony was far more amused than he should be by Dumbledore's not-so-discreet search for the source of JARVIS' voice, hid it by heading for the carafes to pour another cup of coffee. He probably should've headed for the bathroom to relieve himself of the three cups he'd had before this, but he didn't expect this next part to take very long at all. He could wait.
He'd just turned back toward his seat when the elevator doors opened and Nick Fury strode out of it in a swish of black leather, followed by Maria Hill.
"I don't appreciate being summoned three thousand miles by someone who doesn't work with me, Stark," Fury declared.
"And I don't appreciate having to do your job for you, Nicky," Tony shot back. "But those are the facts on the ground."
"My job?" Fury repeated incredulously. "I recall you telling me my assistance wasn't needed."
"With the Avengers, sure," Tony said. "But policing S.H.I.E.L.D.? That sure as hell is your job, and you've failed at it."
Fury glared at him with his good eye, but indicated the rest of the room. "If you're going to discuss S.H.I.E.L.D. business, these people need to leave."
"Actually, no," Tony said. "See, two worlds are colliding here, and we've got permission to read you and them in on both."
"What are you talking about?" Fury demanded.
The question was at least partly answered by the appearance of Jasper Sitwell, bound in what Tony had been told were magic-suppressing handcuffs, and escorted by two ICW hit wizards.
"Sitwell?" Fury asked. "What are you doing here?"
Tony gestured to Steve, who stood even as Tony sat. Where the other Avengers were dressed in business attire, Steve wore his Army uniform and stood straight and confident in it.
"Last night," Steve began, "the Avengers, with the blessing of Her Majesty's government, executed a tactical operation on British soil, the details of which are not relevant. As part of that operation, Agent Sitwell was observed assisting the enemy. During the brief combat that followed, Sitwell surrendered his weapon and placed himself in our custody."
Damn. Whatever training the star-spangled Captain had been getting, it was paying off now. Even during annual meetings of SI stockholders, Tony had never heard anyone convey so much information so succinctly - and at the same time give Fury absolutely nothing to work with should the man decide to investigate further.
"Under questioning with truth serum-"
Steve got no further before Fury exploded. "That's against the Geneva Convention!"
"The enemy we faced is not signatory to the convention," Steve said. "Further, the-"
"Britain is! The Avengers are!" Fury's anger emanated from him like a mushroom cloud.
A flicker of light caused Tony to turn, slightly. He smiled as the screen behind him flickered to life, revealing one of the two people who were watching today's meetings remotely - Her Majesty, Elizabeth II.
"I authorized the use of this specific truth serum," she said, "and the only questions to be asked while Agent Sitwell was under its influence."
"Ma'am." Sirius Black offered a full bow, not just the inclination of the head that protocol required.
Tony waited a beat in the shocked silence that followed, but none of the other British magicals moved.
"Y'know, the Americans - and others," he added with a nod to Thor, "aren't required to show obeisance to Her Majesty, but you two-" he glared at Dumbledore and Bones "-are being disrespectful as hell."
Bones stood and offered an awkward curtsy, clearly not used to doing so. Dumbledore merely smiled serenely.
"The Muggle queen-"
Thor, regal in what Tony had been told was Asgardian formal uniform - was on his feet in a moment, pointing Mjolnir straight at Dumbledore.
"Have care how you speak to and of your Queen, old man," he ordered, his tone and manner conveying his own royal heritage.
Dumbledore stared at him for a long moment, then seemed to realize that Steve and Sirius both were ready to back Thor's play - and so, Tony noted with some surprise, was Harry, whose holly wand was in his hand.
"My apologies," Dumbledore said. "I meant no disrespect."
Sure he didn't, but Tony let it pass. For now.
Steve cleared his throat. "As I was saying, when questioned under truth serum, Agent Sitwell admitted to being affiliated with an organization called Hydra."
"But Hydra was defeated in World War Two," Fury protested.
"Apparently not," Steve said. "Agent Sitwell provided a list of names - some of which were quite surprising."
"Director Fury," the queen's quiet, commanding voice drew everyone's attention. "My government has consulted with the appropriate authorities, and every employee, officer, director, and contractor S.H.I.E.L.D. will be questioned under the same truth serum."
"That could take months," Fury said, looking … well … flummoxed. Tony hid his grin behind a swallow of coffee.
"Madam Thomas."
Andrea Thomas, though American, straightened as the queen addressed her. "Ma'am?"
"The ICW will oversee the questioning. I understand you have the personnel to do so quickly and quietly?"
"Yes, Ma'am," Thomas began, but Dumbledore cut her off.
"I am the Supreme Mugwump," he said, "and I have heard nothing of this, nor will I authorize ICW personnel to participate in some witch hunt."
His emphasis on the last two words caused every magical in the room to wince - except Harry, who merely looked confused.
"I am aware," the queen said, "of the history to which you refer, and I assure you this is in no way similar to that time. Further, the heads of government have agreed that ICW personnel are the best choice for this investigation. Your position as Supreme Mugwump does not put you above us."
Thomas rose. "Come, Director - soonest begun, soonest done. And we'll begin with you."
"Me?" Fury's disbelieving question echoed behind him.
Thankfully, the door to the conference room closed, cutting off the rest of that conversation.
"As I have previously informed the Minister for Magic," the queen continued, fixing first Dumbledore then Bones with that piercing blue gaze, "Voldemort and his followers are being held awaiting trial. As they kidnapped a child with American citizenship, the ICW will be handling the matter going forward. Though I am personally loath to do so, I have instructed my government to ask for the death penalty."
"That won't help," Dumbledore blurted. "Voldemort made horcruxes."
A harsh curse came from the screen, and the camera shifted from the queen to a nondescript man with a pronounced widow's peak.
"Madam Bones, take this man in for questioning," the man ordered. "The use of truth serum is authorized. You will receive a list of questions approved by Her Majesty shortly."
"Begging your pardon," Bones said, "but I don't know you. Who are you to give that order?"
The camera shifted back to the queen. "His name is unimportant," she said. "But in this he is my voice. In many ways, he is, in fact, the British government. Your full cooperation is expected."
"By your leave," Bones replied and turned to Dumbledore. "Come, Albus. I admit I'm curious about the questions she'll have for you."
"I-" Dumbledore began, but broke off, looking lost. After a moment, he said, "I would offer to meet you at your office, but I expect you'll want to apparate me there personally."
"You're correct in that expectation." Bones rose and circled the table to grasp Dumbledore's arm. With a nod of farewell, the two popped away.
On the screen, the queen smiled gently.
"I would like to thank the Avengers for their assistance in capturing the domestic terrorist Tom Riddle, also called Voldemort," the queen said, and Tony couldn't help sitting straighter under her direct regard. American or not, even he found she had a commanding presence.
"And, though it is unrelated," she continued, "thank you, Captain Rogers, for your services during the Second World War. The stories of your and your Commandos' exploits brought hope to many during that dark time, myself and my family included."
"It was my duty and honor to serve, Ma'am," Steve replied. "And your speech to the children of Britain was inspiring."
The queen smiled and nodded once. "I will see that you are kept apprised of events as they happen."
The screen went dark, and Tony wasn't the only one who let out a relieved breath.
"It's really tempting," Harry muttered.
"What is?" Sirius asked.
"To set Dumbledore and Fury against each other," Harry said. "They'd keep each other busy and maybe leave the rest of us alone."