~ Chapter Three ~
The remaining few hours passed quickly as both groups waited for the Numbers to wake. The final members of the group woke, Walden McNair with a grunt of annoyance, Rabastan Lestrange with a calm nod towards Harry, Rudolphus Lestrange with sniff, Bellatrix Lestrange with a mad cackle, and then they waited another hour.
Harry knew their captors were waiting. Every person waking had brought forth a new member attempting to sway someone to speak. Harry learnt much about them in this time. Natasha Romanoff played a sharp mind game but paled in comparison to some of the people he had met before travelling here. Steve Rogers stood tall and strong yet seemed unwavering in his stance. Tony Stark put on a brave front but flinched easily if one payed attention. Clint Barton preferred to watch, judge and then act. Then of course Nick Fury entered and Harry could tell he was born with frustration in not obtaining what he desired.
No one bothered returning after Bellatrix woke. Not that Harry blamed them; she had been vicious with her words as the muggle approached and only continued shouting at any camera she could see. Nick Fury had not stood a chance when faced with someone as deranged as Bellatrix.
Magic electrified the room, sending shivers through the entire group and calming them all with ten seconds before the spell reached completion.
"Last chance, Numbers, anyone want to choose the winning side?"
The question, a mere formality, did not receive a response as the glass shattered around the Numbers. Shards flew in every direction yet no one uttered a sound as together they stepped around their slabs and kneeled, heads bowed in respect.
Their master did not make a sound as he stood from the centre slab and examined his body. Harry stiffened, remembering a different scenario, and knowing their captors would take note of the motion. It mattered very little, however, when their Lord stood before them, displeasure rolling from him in near visible waves.
Lord Voldemort's magic crackled around his body. Sickly arcs of green light reached for the concrete and glass littered around the room, assessing every inch of the room. Their Lord's magic then reached for his followers. The reactions from the group varied from ecstasy to calm, depending on their level of sanity.
Harry remained calm as their Lord's magic crackled along his skin. He could feel the magic settle like sludge against his skin to scan his body making sure he was in perfect health. It caressed his forehead before leaving. He suppressed a shiver as the sludge feeling remained on his skin.
As Lord Voldemort's magic settled, the walls groaned having nothing to support their weight any longer. The walls, ruined with their combined presence, no longer could bare the weight of the floors above their heads. Once they had left, the building would fall apart and many lives would be lost. Yet, the Dark Lord would always take precedence; other lives could wait.
"Where has Lord Voldemort and his loyal followers arrived?"
The sibilant voice of their master echoed around the room, danger oozed from every syllable.
"We have arrived in a parallel universe, my Lord, as planned." Rookwood answered.
Reptilian red eyes narrowed upon his follower. "Is this the location I ordered for our landing? Have I misjudged your accuracy Augustus?"
"My Lord, you can always trust my judgement. I do not know how we ended up within the grasp of these mudbloods. Perhaps, you should ask your pet?" Rookwood sneered.
Harry did not react to the taunt. Many of the Inner Circle Death Eaters had been displeased with Harry's acceptance into their world and placed above them without any offer of explanation. Of course, when a few had demanded an explanation their punishment held the tongues of others though the taunts remained.
The Dark Lord walked towards Harry, placing two fingers beneath Harry's chin and urging him to stand. Harry obeyed, eyes meeting his master without fear despite the displeasure the man raditated.
"What is Augustus referring to, Precious One?"
The hand caressed Harry's face as he replied. "Augustus selected a world where he was certain our location would remain isolated. In this, his judgement was not wrong. Our planned location was well covered from cities and towns, deep within a secluded forest."
Augustus smirked, puffing up with pride as Harry spoke of his judgement. It fell however as Harry continued.
"What Augustus didn't take in to account was how advanced the civilizations in this universe were. It is apparent our arrival triggered a locator. Upon discovery, we were moved. Lucius could not have woken in time to take control and place the necessary precautions. As we were an unknown, they placed us within this bunker of a room and decided that questioning us in such horrid surrounds would appeal our need to be released. Needless to say, we found offering any information unimportant."
The hand moved around to the back of his neck in a tight, warning grip. "You would not lie to me."
"I would not lie to you." Harry repeated.
The Dark Lord turned away from Harry, satisfied with his answer but still seeking a response from the remainder of the group.
"Augustus, did you or did you not check the status of the civilization before you selected a location?"
Augusts flinched, head bowed low to the ground in respect. "I did not think to check the status of the civilization before we selected the location. Lucius and Severus were meant to provide me with details on the civilizations on the planet."
Blame pushed and pulled around the group as the Dark Lord stood with Harry. The man had turned in such a way that pushed Harry to stand in front and allowed the Dark Lord's arm to rest at the small of Harry's back. Harry could feel the displeasure roll from the others in their group.
The Dark Lord often monopolized Harry. This left the other Death Eaters angry and desperate to shift their master's attention towards them instead. So far, it did not work very well. All they managed to do was receive punishment and Harry supposed this was at least enough for some of the crazier people within their group. However, he did not need them to start pulling stunts here.
"I do not understand how Lucius and Severus could possibly be blamed for this." Harry interrupted.
The way the group continued to pass blame only showed how unconnected they were. There was little unity amongst their Number.
"While Severus was meant to provide you with the information on plant life on the planet he could not give you statistics on human population. Lucius merely controlled the project and provided details on the application of the spell. Knowledge is your domain Rookwood. You were meant to piece everything together and sort everything out. Do not push your mistakes on others and assume everyone will believe you."
Augustus sneered at Harry but otherwise kept quiet as the Dark Lord moved away from Harry and towards him.
"Augustus, do I need to ask again?"
The group shivered as their master's anger rose once again. August could only shake his head.
"That is not an answer Augustus."
Harry turned his head away as Rookwood's screams echoed around the room followed by the delighted squeals of Bellatrix, and laughter by several other members. Torture as a device for punishment never sat well with Harry but becoming part of their group meant putting up with the nastiness of their beliefs to reach his goals.
"Does anyone have answers for their Lord?"
Rookwood lay as a mess of limbs on the floor by their master's feet. Many of the others calmed as their master spoke but as they had nothing to offer remained silent.
"My Lord, I was born in this dimension." Fenrir offered.
The Dark Lord waved for the wolf to continue.
"Earth is not the only populated civilization within this universe. While this realm is Midgard and is home to what we know as Muggles, I was born in Asgard the realm of the gods. These realms, and many more like it, contain various creatures all with differing abilities. For these people, we will just be another strange element they are likely adapting to."
Lord Voldemort's displeasure rolled from him. Harry knew this was purely due to being told he was not unique in this realm or any of the multiple realms this universe contained. The Dark Lord's desire to be the most powerful being meant he was always seeking the destruction of a people. This planet and the realms around it would just be next on the list. Yet, Harry did not want to dwell on these facts.
"Fenrir, if you are from this realm, do you have family? Are they close?" Harry questioned.
Fenrir sneered. "My family is hardly welcoming. My grandfather exiled me to your world and my parents did nothing to stop him. My siblings could do nothing to aid me either though I do not hold it against them. They were also exiled in their own way. Normally, I would not expect my family to be in Midgard but I sense someone is close by."
"To what end do these Asgardians hold power over Midgard?" The Dark Lord questioned.
"Asgardians rule all." Fenrir stated. "However, it has been a while since they have reached into the other realms and taken control. I doubt they have any clue as to the technologies on Midgard let alone what we are capable."
The Dark Lord nodded, a look of consideration crossing his face. Harry knew the plans forming within the man's mind would revolve around taking control. In their world, Earth was the only planet the Dark Lord could set his sights on. This universe, however, Earth was only the beginning. The Dark Lord could spread his influence far within the universe once his Death Eaters discovered how to travel to the different realms.
"My friends… we have been provided with a golden opportunity. This world is one relatively known to us but we have a slight advantage in being an unknown element in their plans. For our continued existence, we will eradicate those in power and enslave the useless muggles of this world. Once control is ours, we will move forward through the realms and dictate to all, we are not to be underestimated, we will not be controlled, we are here to win."
Though the Dark Lord kept his voice level, the power behind the words had the group cheering. They were desperate to unleash after what seemed to be such a long time of hibernation and this was an excellent opportunity to show what they were capable.
"We can't allow you to leave this location."
The Numbers turned to watch as those holding them captive entered the room. Many of the Numbers knew who they were as they had been tortured with their presence every time someone woke. Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Clint Barton, Natasha Romanoff, and Nick Fury were all people Harry easily recognized. However, there were people among the new group that Harry did not recognize and one he wished never to acknowledge.
The Death Eaters howled, sneered, and jeered, in rage as Sirius Black entered the room with others they did not know. Bellatrix held the worst reaction as she realized she had not succeeded in killing her cousin. Only Harry and the Dark Lord remained silent and calm.
The Dark Lord continued to stare at Sirius, eyes cold and harsh. Harry could not even begin to consider what the Dark Lord would be thinking in this situation. No one had expected to find someone from their world when they travelled through to another universe. The fact it was someone they knew very well was not something they desired especially when they knew the person would only speak negatively towards them.
"Precious One, will that traitor's presence affect your work in this world?"
Harry locked eyes with his godfather for the first time since their arrival. Hope shone from the stormy grey eyes. They held less craze than they did when Harry was fifteen but he could not forget Sirius Black's final few words.
"I know my task and Black's presence in this world will not alter my path or cause me to question my decisions. Sirius Black left my thoughts long ago."
Bellatrix released a pleased cackle. "Even my master's Precious One knows which side is the rightful side of power and truth."
Fenrir released a growl as the lunatic moved closer in an attempt to get attention from Harry and rile Sirius further. Thankfully, she relented to the ferocity Fenrir was known for before she could get too close.
"I believe it is then time to leave my faithful." Voldemort informed them, ignoring the previous words of newcomers. "This world will be ours."
"I think you missed the first time when we said you aren't going anywhere, Slither."
The comment from Tony Stark had many of his allies sigh in exasperation; the Numbers merely looked on in confusion. However, it was with this comment that the Dark Lord finally deemed them worthy enough of his attention.
"Who would dare stand before Lord Voldemort and give him demands."
Steve Rogers stepped forward, shield raised. "We are the Avengers and we won't permit you to desecrate our world."
Voldemort smirked gesturing to his group. "Your permit means little to us. You are nothing more than ants when faced with out magic. We will demolish you and nothing will stand in our way."
"You are the ones who have no power here You-Know-Who." Sirius spat. "You and your little sycophants will be destroyed before you can do any damage to this world."
Harry laughed, leaning into Fenrir and clutching his stomach. "You can't even speak his name and yet you speak of power. Dumbledore was worthy of being the Dark Lord's enemy, you and your new little team of do-gooders don't even rate a mention."
Harry's comment clearly unsettled Sirius as he flinched and shifted in embarrassment. Though he presented himself to be strong and fierce, Sirius still couldn't shake the conditions he had grown up with. No one but Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter could speak Lord Voldemort's name without fear. If there was one thing Harry knew about Sirius Black, he hated being seen as weak and cowardly in the face of danger, a typical Gryffindor.
Rogers stepped forward again, protecting his teammate. "Being able to speak a name does not show strength of character."
"And what precisely shows strength of character in the eyes of Steve Rogers?" Fenrir sneered.
"Being able to stand up for what is good and right for the betterment of all people and not just the few shows strength of character."
Harry scoffed. Rogers' belief was yet another ideology in which there was a battle between good and evil. Dumbledore had followed this same belief. Yet nothing ever worked out perfectly.
"There is no good and evil," Harry quoted, "only power, and those too weak to seek it."
The Death Eaters cheered in agreement all facing their Master as Harry's words echoed around them in the broken concrete bunker. Harry and Fenrir kept their focus on those opposite them as their faces lit with disapproval to varying levels. Only Loki seemed to show some understanding.
Fenrir gave Harry a stiff nod before turning back to focus on the Dark Lord.
"Power is the only quality Lord Voldemort has any interest it. You, however, are all muggles, disappointing and powerless under my might."
"Is that a threat?" Nick Fury snarled.
The Avengers prepared their weapons. Even living in the muggle world for many years in his childhood, Harry had no idea what some of the weapons the Avengers held. He held little idea of what would happen should these weapons harm them.
With a simple twist of his hands, Harry's magic swirled in the air between the Avengers and the Death Eaters forming an invisible barrier between the two groups. Another's magic brushed against Harry's, questioning and curious, before retreating without a mention. Harry locked eyes with a being of ancient power that he would guess belonged to Fenrir's family. No words were uttered only the flicker of concern which Harry dismissed.
Fenrir nudged Harry and stepped forward, towering over Harry's height, and offering his body as a shield from his relatives open stare. The wolf was determined to protect them and Harry would do the same.
"Only you, Sirius Black, could stand on the opposite side and wave crude muggle weapons at family." Lucius commented. "After all, it is easier to rebel against family than to admit they might not always be wrong."
"Planning to enslave or kill an entire civilization is wrong." Sirius hissed, raising a type of gun Harry couldn't possibly name.
"Enough of this," the Dark Lord demanded. "We will be free of this place and you will not get in our way. Now, my loyal followers, attack."
Foul smiles met their Master's words before each Death Eater began flinging magic spells wordlessly at their enemy. Coloured spells raced towards the Avengers, bright and heavy in the air, at the same time, various weapons flew through the air ready to collide. Bullets, knives, arrows, and magic clashed creating a kaleidoscope of colour and ending in screams.
The colours ceased dancing before everyone's eyes as both sides surveyed the damage. While the Death Eaters were littered in cuts and wounds, the Avengers remained unharmed. The outrage was instantaneous as the Death Eaters cursed Sirius and the magic wielders from Fenrir's planet. One man however remained silent, one man turned towards the single Death Eater who smirked victoriously.
The Dark Lord stared at Harry Potter who smiled, "I guess I would lie to you."
I hope you enjoy the new chapter.
MidnightEmber