Come Together Chapter 4 - Freedom
AN:
Oni: I'm back!
Tom: Not bad, not bad.
Oni: Yeah, I know, gotta try and update the other ones at some point!
Tom: Note, entire dialogue in italics are parseltongue.
Steve: Oni does not own the MCU nor the Harry Potter Franchise.
Oni: AND ONWARDS!
The man who called himself "Captain America" had begun to release them, cage by cage. When he got to their cell, Tom was able to get a better look at him. Light blue eyes and short cut blond hair, the perfect American stereotype. Truly this man already looked the part of his odd title. While he was busy scrutinizing their savior, Dugan had walked up to a man released earlier who seemed to be of Asian descent, but was in an American soldier's uniform.
"What, are we taking everybody?"
"I'm from Fresno, Ace." the soldier quipped in reply, holding up his dogtags, which identified him as Jim Morita.
Before anything could get too hairy, Captain America began marching forward with haste, and they all followed his lead.
"Is there anybody else?" he asked, "I'm looking for a Sargent James Barnes."
This made Tom freeze up. How did this man know about Barnes? The way he spoke his name conveyed a sense of close familiarity, and frantic worry.
"There's an isolation ward in the factory," Falsworth told Captain America, "but no one's ever come back from it."
Who knew Barnes that well? The soldier hadn't mentioned anyone close to him that-
Tom stared at Captain America incredulously. This couldn't be Steve Rogers, could it? Barnes had described Rogers as blond with blue eyes, but had also added that he was short and lanky, and was unable to be admitted into the army. Captain America was tall, bulky, and had knocked a guard's lights out with a single punch. But no other person would fit the description...
"All right," Captain America (and maybe Steve Rogers) said, "The tree line is Northwest, eighty yards past the gate. Get out fast and give 'em hell. I'll meet you guys in the clearing with anybody else I find."
"Wait." Jones managed to push his way to the front of the group, facing the Captain, "You know what you're doing?"
"Yeah," the Captain replied, "I've knocked out Adolf Hitler over two hundred times."
A look of confusion and incredulity washed over the faces of the freed soldiers, and
Tom only barely managed to suppress a snort. He liked this man's sense of humor, which also vaguely reminded him of Barnes' own. Perhaps this was Rogers, though whatever the muggles had done to him certainly made him more than capable of fighting. Truly incredible, what the muggles were really capable of, then. He watched as Captain America ran off deeper into the facility, and hoped that he would be able to find Barnes alive. For now, though, he had work to do. The soldiers pushed the door open, the feeling of freedom rushing through their veins and pumping adrenaline into their systems. It was time to fight their way out.
Tom placed Jormungand on the ground, and hissed instructions before they left the building. He knew he wasn't much of a fighter, but he was going to help his comrades battle HYDRA in the best way he can. Placing his back against the walls of the facility, Tom dug into his bag and procured his wand and his wand holster, which he slipped under his sleeve. Carefully he slid his wand into the holster, and went to join the battle alongside his serpentine partner.
While he was preparing for battle, it seemed that Dugan and company had managed to hijack a HYDRA tank, and began to drive it around, shooting at nearby HYDRA soldiers. The blue beam that was released from it vaporized whatever target it hit, causing magic to crackle in the air as it did so. It made him freeze for a second, horrified at what HYDRA was capable of, before a weapon was shoved into his arms by Dernier. Tom looked down to see a HYDRA rifle, glowing blue at the core, and then looked up to see Dernier's impatient face.
"Aim, press trigger, watch out for recoil. Good luck." was all the French soldier said before heading back into the fray.
Taking careful aim at a group of HYDRA soldiers, Tom let loose a bolt from the rifle, the beam turning them into nothingness, or so it seemed. Tom thought that the beam acted much like a blasting spell, as even with magic one couldn't make something truly disappear. The color of the light matched the curse as well. A couple seconds later, he heard a HYDRA soldier yelp, before clutching his ankle. It appeared that Jormungand was making progress as well. With each bolt fired from his rifle, he became more confident in his weapon, his aim bettering and his pace quickening. However, it was clear that Tom's slow reaction time with the weapon was doing him harm. The other members of his team fired off the machinery like Tom would spells from his wand. For one who had never been in battle before, this was grueling. He didn't know how long the battle lasted, but while he was struggling to shoot up enemies Dugan, Jones, and Falsworth managed to aim the tank's nozzle at the gate, blasting it apart and truly freeing them from the facility.
However, this victory was short-lived.
An energy barrier erupted in front of them, which Tom identified as a powerful shield charm. Sure enough, when the teen turned around, the two followers of Grindelwald were making their way toward the freed soldiers, wands raised and ready to fire. Many a soldier fired their guns, only to be deflected by one of the wizards stamping towards them, to his comrades' immense surprise and horror. It became obvious to the allied soldiers that these men were far different than the fallen HYDRA men that littered the ground dead. These were men with clothes and abilities straight out of a children's fairytale.
"You damn muggles!" one cried, his wand raised high in the air to keep the shield charm blocking them in place.
Loud crashes could be heard from within the facility, as if someone had released a dragon inside. Someone inside was setting off bombs, either from the Captain or from a HYDRA head that wanted to make sure their work was never found. Shouts from the freed soldiers could be heard at their new predicament, unable to fight their way out of this battle. With this new obstacle between him and his new comrades' freedom, Tom decided to drop all pretense of being muggle.
"Ah, bugger this..." Tom muttered around the same time, dropping the rifle and flicking his wrist.
"Know your place, filth!" the other cried at the group of stunned soldiers, "BOMBARDA!"
"PROTEGO!"
The curse hit Tom's shield hard, but he still managed to keep it intact. He could feel all eyes on him now, from both the soldiers he was fighting alongside and the wizards he was fighting against. Explosions now rang out from behind the wizards, the facility going up in flames piece by piece. Both Tom and Grindelwald's followers could escape quickly through apparition, but the soldiers would die if they couldn't get past the gate.
There was no time for small spells. These wizards would only be struck dumb for so long, and Tom twirled his yew wand in his hand. He had one chance to surprise them before they came back with more fervor. Time to really show off. The Statute doesn't matter if someone else already broke it, right? Tom held his wand aloft, a smirk playing on his lips.
"FIENDFYRE!"
The familiar jet of fire spewed from the tip of his wand, the flames gathering and growing in front of him. Within seconds the flames took the from of a giant serpent, with a likeness of the Basilisk down in the Chamber. Tom's smirk turned into a wild, manic grin. Oh yes, this felt right. Soon enough the flames ceased to come from his wand, and he could see the horrified looks on the wizards' faces.
"Get them!" Tom hissed out to the giant snake made of living flame.
The Fiendfyre wasted no time in doing just that, closing the distance between it and Grindelwald's followers within seconds. It struck at them, flaming fangs gouging parts of the ground where the wizards were frantically trying to summon enough water to put it out. A hiss of smoke billowed out from where the water hit the serpent, but it wasn't nearly enough to quench the fire. Soon enough one follower perished under its flames, its body setting nearby HYDRA soldiers on fire as the allied soldiers watched at the gate in awe and horror. The second follower seemed to have gathered his brain cells back together, because with a swear of profanity he apparated away. Once he had left, there was no one remaining to hold the barrier together, and it fizzled into nothingness. They were free once more.
Tom held his left arm aloft, his wand held loosely between his fingers in his right hand. He hissed soothingly at the giant serpent, coaxing it back to him. It obeyed like all snakes did, slithering obediently to his feet and bowing it head. A quick flame-freezing charm was applied to the head before he could pet it, but once he do so he hissed for it to sleep. The snake did so without hesitation, closing its eyes and holding still as Tom doused it completely with a strong water summoning spell. Only smoke was left from where the Fiendfyre had surrendered itself to him, and Tom was internally thankful of his Slytherin lineage, lest he be unable to control such magic.
It was only after he slid his wand back into his holster that he realized he was still being watched. By some very shocked and terrified soldiers. This time, however, there were two more people in his audience than last time. A Captain America, who was huffing and puffing as if he just sprinted the entire way here, and a James Buchanan Barnes, who looked a little worse for where but was alive and walking.
"Man," gasped out Barnes as the Captain helped him reach Tom, but looked at the both of them, "both you guys have been holding out on me since I was gone."
"Wait, so you're actually magic and shit?" Jones asked in awe as they trekked their way through the mountains.
Apparently there was a base "nearby", which was revealed to be thirty miles away and in another country, but Tom really didn't mind. He was still coming off his high of his newfound freedom. Barnes seemed to be feeling better, as he was now trekking alongside them unassisted and proud. The soldier walked in the left side of Captain America, who was leading all of them to their destination. Tom took the Captain's right side, completing the flank.
"Yes, and so were they. They're followers of Gellert Grindelwald, a Dark Wizard who has a vendetta against muggles." Tom explained, stroking the sleeping Jormungand around his neck.
"Muggles, huh?" Dugan muttered, "that's what those guys were calling us. What does it mean?"
"Non-magical people. I'm quite sure American wizards call you something different, however."
"What are wizards doing in a HYDRA base in the middle of the Austrian Alps?" asked Denier incredulously.
"Well...I landed here on accident. The followers of Grindelwald, on the other hand, are undeniably working with HYDRA." Tom refused to elaborate further on the subject.
"So those things you drew on my chest," cut in Barnes before someone else could needle him for more information, probably sensing Tom's reluctance to speak on it, "that was some kind of magic?"
"Yes, they were healing runes. Blood magic works best, but I only had enough to heal your wounds, not your ailment. Ink does not work well enough to fight a disease. Not with my limited windows." Tom answered with an apologetic look.
"It did the job, and that what matters." Barnes replied with a smile.
They walked along in what could be considered a comfortable silence. Each soldier had something on his mind as they marched through the mountainous terrain, perhaps of home or sleep or loved ones. Tom instead looked around him. Every single soldier was in some sort of uniform, and here he was dressed back into his robes. Here, with these muggles after just casting a Fiendfyre in full sight if them. He wondered if he would get into trouble when he got back to England. Furthermore, how was he going to explain his disappearance to Headmaster Dippet? Would Professor Dumbledore assume that he was up to no good? How much had Tom changed, really, in captivity? His thoughts were interrupted by Barnes.
"By the way Tom, this is Steve. I know my description of him doesn't altogether match, but last time I saw him he was scrawny. Steve, this is Tom, he and the others took care of me when I was dying of pneumonia."
Tom exchanged a look with Captain America, who smiled at him and held out his hand. He outstretched his own arm and shook hands with the towering man. So he was right then, this was Rogers after all.
"Steve Rogers, a pleasure to meet you. You did good fighting off those other guys."
"Ah, but I should be thanking you for freeing us all, Captain Rogers." Tom replied, "I am Tom Riddle."
For a moment Rogers' smile faltered before casting his eyes over to Barnes, who appeared to be trying not to laugh.
"Er, I probably shouldn't be asking this, but..." Rogers began, "Is Tom Riddle your real name?"
Chuckles rang out from Tom's ex-cellmates and Barnes seemed to have gone into a coughing fit. An exasperated look made itself known in Tom's face.
"I pulled out a stick, made fire that turned into a giant flaming serpent come out of it with just a few words, and that is the one thing you have trouble believing?"
"Well, to be honest, I'm still taking in the whole 'magic is real' thing myself, but who am I to...oh never mind." Rogers shook his head, "If you're that confused by it, it's probably you're real name."
"What are the odds?" Barnes quipped from beside Rogers.
"Are you going to explain what's going on?" Tom asked dryly.
"Nah, you'll figure it out eventually." Barnes answered with a grin.
Tom sent the soldier a glare, though there was no malice behind it. If he was the Tom Riddle that left Hogwarts that June, he would have cursed the man's mouth off, along with every soldier still chuckling at him. He wondered when he had mellowed out. When had he become so open? When did he change from the wizard that vowed vengeance on the world that wronged him? Perhaps it was simply fate.
Barnes continued to grin, and with Rogers also smiling at him, Tom did too.
It was madness when they finally reached the base. Tom felt near suffocating as the soldiers of the base began to crowd around Rogers, him, and everyone else that had been freed. So many soldiers came out from inside the tents that Tom half thought that there were expansion charms in place. He shook those thoughts away. All these men were muggles. Even so, he was sure his presence would cause a few questions, so Tom discreetly cast a Notice-Me-Not charm on himself before things got too crowded. A man in an army helmet came from between the throngs of soldiers, his very aura commanding respect and obedience from those around him. Feeling a little out of depth, Tom slunk behind Rogers, and was surrounded in seconds by the rest of his ex-cellmates, though none paid him heed. When the man stopped in front of Rogers, Rogers saluted him.
"Some of these men need medical attention." was what Rogers said first, before shifting his eyes away, then back to the man in front of him, "I surrender myself for disciplinary action."
By the tone of his voice, Rogers did not regret what he did. Nevertheless, Tom watched him carefully with wide eyes. Captain Rogers must have disobeyed orders from the man in front of him to need disciplinary action, and since the only thing he had done was come to Austria to free them, this meant that all of the soldiers trapped in the facility were probably given up for dead. Seeing the relatively one tracked mind that Rogers had, the muggle enhanced soldier had gone against a direct order to save Barnes. Tom couldn't help but feel a little jealous.
"That won't be necessary." came the reply from the man, before turning away and letting another person through.
"Yes, sir." Rogers uttered before he was face to face with the new person.
Which was a rather miffed woman decked in an army uniform. Their eyes seemed to convey some form of attachment, which Tom filed for later (it wasn't blackmail...yet). While Tom couldn't feel attraction, he could tell that she was pretty. Dark brown hair curled at her shoulders, and red lips stood in sharp contrast to her pale skin. Deep hazel eyes seemed to stare into Rogers' own, and a quick glance at Barnes showed that this was a new development. She looked Rogers up and down.
"You're late." the woman said with what was obviously a British accent.
In reply, Rogers reaches down, fumbling with something in his pocket. When he brings his hand out again, it is holding a square device with a bent antenna and a bullet hole right through the top right corner. Rogers had a slight smirk on his face as he looked at her again, the device making a rattling noise that Tom was sure it wouldn't have made if it were still intact.
"Couldn't call my ride."
Oh yes, Tom thought to himself, there is definitely something going on between these two. Their dynamic was just too interesting to ignore, and Tom stored all their mannerisms and reactions for later use.
"Hey!" Barnes called out suddenly, "Let's here it for Captain America!"
The crowd around Rogers erupted into rancorous cheering, with many a soldier coming up and clapping Captain America on the back or shoulder. Tom smiled, happy that these men finally gained their freedom. Perhaps it was time for him to go as well, considering that he wasn't part of any military service. He would stick out like a sore thumb otherwise, and while he knew he had gained a camaraderie to the soldiers he was imprisoned with, Tom knew he wasn't one of them. Tom was just about to slink away from the cheering crowd when he caught some odd behavior coming from some of the men. More specifically, those that were his ex-cellmates. They were looking around at each other, as if trying to find something. This went on for a little bit before Falsworth raised his voice above the crowd.
"Not to cut the celebration short, but does anyone know where Riddle went?"
His words seemed to spark something in the soldiers. The ones who came from the base camp held confused expressions, while the freed men began to look around for him nigh frantically. Even Captain America held a worried countenance, exchanging a glance with Barnes, who was attempting to weave through the throng of men. Tom felt his chest tighten in something he didn't quite understand, and began to follow Barnes through the crowd. When he got close enough, he tugged at the back of the man's shirt. Immediately Barnes whipped around, his eyes sliding off Tom's figure due to the Notice-Me-Not charm and everywhere confusedly. Tom dispelled the charm, quickly sliding the wand up his sleeve and smiling innocently.
"I'm right here, Barnes, no need to get worried." he said to the man who was now gaping at him.
Barnes had stared at him for a moment, before understanding dawned on his face. Tom, in reply, flicked his sleeve where his wand was, grinning cheekily like an idiot. With a clap on his back, Barnes began to laugh a little.
"Jeez, kid, you're really something aren't you?"
"I try to be, at least." Tom said in return, his smile more relaxed.
Soon enough, Captain Rogers was called away by the stiff man from before (Colonel Chester Philips, Barnes had whispered to him). The woman, who Rogers knew but Barnes did not, followed behind the tall soldier. When that happened, most of the other soldiers returned to their duties, helping the wounded freed soldiers to their medical tent. Everything went relatively quite, with fewer soldiers standing around at loss at what to do.
"Well," said Dugan, walking up to Tom and Barnes along with their other ex-cellmates, "I don't know about you, but I could really go for a pint or two right about now."
A murmur of agreement resounded amongst the men, though Tom shook his head.
"I...probably should be heading back to the Orphanage..." he muttered, knowing his adventures with these muggles was probably over now that they were all free.
Considering that the Ministry hasn't yet sent a letter, he would probably face trial when he got back to England. He wasn't looking forward to it, but it had to be done. Besides, he needed to get the information of Grindelwald's movements to Dumbledore as quickly as possible so the man could finally get off his arse and do something about it. These muggles couldn't fight such wizards alone, it would be suicide to do so. Tom was also quite sure he had overstayed his welcome here. It's not like he was a soldier, and he really didn't want to explain to the muggle military authorities why he was here in the first place.
"Bullshit," Jones replied, slinging his arm over his shoulder.
"You're coming with us!" continued Barnes, slinging his arm around Tom's other shoulder.
"And if someone asks why you're here, we'll clobber 'em." finished Dugan, already making his way to one of the army vehicles.
Tom was then led by Jones and Barnes to the truck, followed by Falsworth, Dernier, and Morita. They were seated in the back, with Dugan and Jones driving in the front. Tom turned to his right, where Barnes was grinning at his triumphantly, like brining him along with them was something to celebrate. It was odd, Tom could not recall the last time people genuinely wanted to spend company with him. A warm feeling rise in his chest, spreading to the rest of his body.
It felt good, he decided, to be wanted.
Steve Rogers stood in a circle along with other members of the Strategic Scientific Reserve, pinning locations on the map on the table where he had remembered seeing HYDRA bases back when he was inside the facility in Austria.
"We are gonna set a fire under Johann Schmidt's ass." Colonel Phillips said, placing his hands on the edge of the table, "What do you say, Rogers? It's your map, you think you can wipe HYDRA off of it?"
The bases were scattered all across Europe, six in all. Italy, France, Czech, Greece, and two in Poland. If he started with Greece, he could go in a clockwise direction, hitting them hard and fast before HYDRA even knew what he was doing. Of course, he couldn't do it alone. He would need a team of men he knew could work well as a team, with special skills and hearts of gold. And he knew just where to find them.
"Yes, sir." Steve answered resolutely, "I'll need a team."
"We're already putting together the best men." Colonel Philips replied, his chest puffing up.
"With all due respect, sir. So am I."
AN:
Oni: And that's all for now, folks!
Steve: Don't forget to Follow, Favorite, and Review.
Oni: And I'll see you next time, my pretties!