Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story. This is just for fun and I hope you enjoy reading it.
Child of Silence
By Angelwings Sorrow
Chapter 47 "Happiness comes with Winter"
The relationship between the two Professors was strained but they no longer bickered for the safety of the students. It was hard for the two, but Snape was taking it harder. He was sharper with his comments and criticism. Harry was so glad winter break was coming up He was tired of being the grown up between the two. Harry was finishing up the last of his winter homework so he could have a stress free vacation, then he still had to pack up for his trip home.
"Roaw!"
"Potter! Control your cat!"
"Boot, if you try and open my trunk Shadow is going to be on guard." Harry typed out on Friday not bothering to turn around.
"I can't wait until winter break and get away from you and your stupid cat." Boot stomped off out of the room.
"Knock knock."
"Come in." Friday answered.
"Hello big Brother, I have come to say good-bye."
"Luna, why are you leaving a day early?" Harry got up from his desk and switched to sign language.
"My father came down with Wizard's flu and fainted when he was at the bank getting gold for Christmas. King Jareth was kind enough to help my father home and sent me an owl. Hedwig is a very pretty owl." Luna sighed dreamily.
"Yes she is. So who is going to pick you up?"
"Since I don't have any other Family, your father said he would escort me home. Professor Snape gave me potions to speed my father's recovery."
"Oh good, my father knows a lot about healing so he'll help your dad. I hope you will be able to come to New Year's at the Manor but if not We'll have Winky send you food and our best wishes." Harry hugged his little sister of the heart and soaking up their familial love.
"I will text you soon. I must go." Luna squeeze one last time before drifting out of the room. Harry chuckled it seemed that only his grandmother and Luna could float out of the room like that. He returned to his desk and sent an email to his godfather thanking him for being so kind to Luna's dad but also to make plans for his Parents presents. Hopefully this will be a carefree vacation.
XxXxXxXxXx
"Okay Jarvis, what time do we land?" Tony was anxious to get to Loki and Harry after being so far apart for so long. Loki's visit after the Expo incident was great but not long enough. He hated sleeping alone the nightmares tended to plague him without his Reindeer Protection.
"On hour until we reach Frigga's Meadows, Sir."
"Wow, it's been years since I've been to Scotland." May said staring out the window.
"It is beautiful during the winter." Pepper agreed sitting across from the witch. "Tony You need to finish this paper work before we land or I'm going to lock you in your office until it's Done."
"I'm working!" Tony tried to play innocent as he started signing the papers but the sharp look from his CEO told him she wasn't buying it. "So where is your Boyfriend Agent? I thought he was coming with us."
"Phil, is going to come with Steve and James tomorrow night. Nick has them working up until the last possible Moment. Natasha is already at the Manor with Clint and Harry will home tomorrow night as well. Bruce will be picking him up since he's in London already at a Science Conference." Pepper got up and put another stack of paper in front of the Pouting billionaire.
"Good my Science Bro got Harry covered. Wait Science Conference? Does that mean Foster was there?" Tony turned to Pepper, he did not like the idea of the Doctor who brought the Dark Elves to earth and broke his brother-in-law's heart being so close by.
"No actually. Her work as been so subdued lately that she was not granted an invitation. I heard from Bruce that her assistant has graduated and was given an invitation. Darcy is making developments with combining radio waves with Astrophysics to boost space communications."
"Man, I wish I could have gone."
"After what happened to you at the Expo the Board expressed that you not attend any more high profiled events until next year. They want you to stay safe and healthy for the foreseeable future. It seems they don't want to deal with the God of Lies any time soon. He cut then down and roasted them those two weeks he was in charge. By the end of his tenure as EX-O he made you an extra two million dollars and scared the board shitless that no other attempts at take over would be made as long as the god was near by."
"That's my Lo-Lo, I should put him in charge more often. So Pepper is there any word on Vanko's escape. I think Mandarin were the ones that let the psycho out." Tony asked in a low voice.
"Yes, but Natasha said she'll debrief us once we are all assembled. Also Nick's brother will be visiting sometime before the New Year but nothing confirmed." The red head whispered as she took the last of the papers from Tony.
"Good. Keep me posted." The genius handed the last paper to the CEO. "Hey Peter, wake up we're landing soon."
"We're there?" The teen sat up rubbing his eyes to wake up before looking out the window.
"Almost Petie-Pie. Not bad for a four hour trip." Tony smirked. The genius never missed a chance to brag about his advance tech Plane. They had cut a ten hour flight down to four.
"Wow! So when does Harry get back from school?"
"He'll be at the manor tomorrow you guys can camp out in his room he has a mini lab set up in there for his secret projects. Oh and watch out for the invisible snake."
"Snake?!" May and Peter squeaked in terror.
"Yeah Loki's pet. Jor like to scare any new visitors but don't worry he won't bite. He's just a prankster like Loki." Tony said causally ignoring Pepper's glare. "A word of warning about Winky, she won't let anyone have dessert until you eat all your veggies."
"It's not the end of the world to eat vegetables." The CEO rolled her eyes as she settled back in her seat. "You are the only on that complains about Winky's rule."
"Not true, Clint whines more than me." The billionaire protested.
"Sir we are ready to land on the Manor grounds."
"Great J. Take us down."
"Yes, sir. Prince Loki has just cleared the landing pad." One of the features of the Jet was it could hover and lower just like the Quinjet. This allowed the small jet to land and take off with out being noticed from the back of their manor house.
"My Hubby is out there?" Tony lifted the window shade to see the Jotun Prince out in the snow the green v-neck sweater and black skinny jeans with his 3 inch heeled boots. That was Tony's favorite outfit on the god. He couldn't wait to get his sexy god alone. He loved when Loki wore heels because they make those gorgeous long legs even longer.
"Stop drooling Tony. Show some self control." Pepper shook her head as her love sick boss.
"I can't help it if my God is more than a Snack and a full seven course meal." Tony smiled. The Jet landed the others got their things to de-board the plane but Tony just bolted as soon as the door was open. He ran right into his lover's arms and had Loki not have the strength of a god he would they would have fallen back into the snow.
"I missed you too, my Love." The god laughed, returning the hug.
"It's been killing me to so far for so long." Tony muttered into the soft ivory neck.
"Alright you too take it inside; you guys are blocking the path and it's freezing out here."
"Fine Mom we're going." Tony detangled himself and pulled Loki inside.
"Brother Tony! Welcome home the elves have made a feast for us." Thor greeted giving his brother-in-law with a bone crushing hug.
"Good to see you too Point Break." The genius wheezed as the air was crushed out of him.
"Thor Please do not kill my husband I just him home." Loki sighed as he helped his guest with their jackets and directing Winky to take the luggage.
"Oh Sorry." Thor dropped the ex-mortal then patting the man on the back nearing knocking Tony to the floor.
"About time you guys showed up Winky won't let us have any of the goodies until we have dinner." Clint whined.
"Mr. Barton tries to eat too many sweets. Winky makes sure he is healthy to protect Master Harry." The little elf glared at the archer while she set out healthy appetizers.
"She got your number Clint." Natasha wandered in wiping her hands on a oil rag.
"Hey Nat what have you been up to?" Pepper greeted.
"Me and DUM-E are tuning up my bike and fixing an oil leak in the Aston Martin."
"A girl of many talents I see. I bet Bruce knows that first hand." Tony smirked only to have Pepper slap him up side the head.
"Be nice Tony. Nat have you heard anything from Phil or Nick about the Expo?"
"We have managed to weed out the Mandarin operatives from the prison system. We had a big break and managed to shut down a base of Mandarin in Italy. The goal of the expo was to kidnap you and Tony. They wanted to keep him a live and make his suffer by torturing you. What they didn't expect was Spider man wrapping them up thinking they were there to rob the place while the attack was a distraction. We haven't told the kid in case it might freak him out." Natasha reported taking a glass of wine off of tray Winky was carrying.
"Was there any lead on the leader who is out to get Tony?"
"No it seems that the Leader has compartmentalized the whole organization. Each branch receives orders from one number but know one knows what the others are doing or who they are answering to. It's been very frustrating detangling this mess."
"I'll bet. Hopefully this will be a quiet holiday for everyone and then after the New Year we can attack the problem from a different angle."
"Dinner is ready Master Loki."
"Thank you Winky. Shall we all adjourn to the dining room?"
"Yes Brother, I have been waiting all day for this feast." Thor's voice boomed as stomach growled in agreement. Loki just rolled his eyes at the spectacle but led the others to the dining room. He did not like how Mandarin was hanging over their heads like a dark cloud. Until the whole organization was dismantled their family would always be in danger.
XxXxXxXxXx
"Hey, Harry." a voice called from the door way of Harry's adjoining room his lab/studio.
"Hey Uncle Steve I didn't hear you come in?"
"I can see that. When did you start drawing?" Steve could help but feel closer to his godson with the shared interest. The picture was dark shadows and the eerie shapes of a dark forest.
"Hermione suggested it last year to help with my nightmares. I keep a journal on Friday but some images just won't leave my brain you know?"
"Yeah, I know what you mean. Sometimes I find myself drawing things that I had happed long ago. You seemed to be a kid of many hidden talents. If you want I can help you refine you technique a bit." Steve came into the where Harry was sitting and gave him a one arm hug.
"I'd like that." The young prince leaned into the hug.
"So why have you been hold up in your room? I know that since got home you have been spending just enough time with everybody before you sneak away back to your room. What's going on son?"
"Things have been really stressful at school lately and I guess I'm just tired for trying to stay two steps ahead."
"Yeah, I can understand that, but you don't have to hide away from us. What else is bothering you?" Steve could tell the boy was holding back. Ever since they brought Harry home it was hard to get the full story out of the boy. Bucky was usually the one to wheedle out what was bothering Harry but Steve wanted to try. He wanted Harry to trust him. He was Harry's godfather and he took the job of loving and protecting his godson very seriously.
"I don't know. Ever since I was rescued from Hydra I've been trying to find who and what I am. These past few months I haven't been able to do a certain spell and I guess it has put doubts in my head."
"Now, I know how self doubt can make you unsure and feel inadequate. Before the serum I was tiny and skinny. I wanted to serve my country but I couldn't and it crushed my confidence even more. So I understand how you feel; what is the spell you are trying to learn?"
"It's called the Patronus charm. To form the charm you have to focus on a happy memory and I can't seem to do that. I mean I have a lot of happy memories since coming to live with my Father and Dad but they all have been tainted by the threats that hover around us."
"I know you love your Dad Tony and your Father Loki, but what about your memories about your memories from your birth father James and your step-mom Lily? I am positive that they loved you just as much as your parents."
"I remember my Dad and Lily would hold me and sing to me. Lily would make pancakes with blueberries and my dad would feed me chocolate ice cream. There were times we would have a picnic in the backyard. Having an Eidetic Memory can be a curse sometimes. These memories kept me sane when I was sent to live with Lily's sister and I was a cold and alone in that cupboard." Harry shivered in his godfather's arms unable to shake the despair over the memory of being at the Dursleys.
"You're not there any more Harry. You're here with me and the Avengers at the Scotland Manor. You're never going back, I promise." Steve pulled Harry into a tight hug trying to protect him from the ghost of the past. "Just hold on to those good memories and to Now. We all love you, Harry never forget that."
As the two sat in the quiet of the studio-lab outside Loki wished not for the first time that could torture those who abused his son. He couldn't stop the tears of pain he felt for his son. He didn't protest the arms that came around him comforting him. He just burrowed into the warmth that was his beloved.
"I know it's hard, but Harry is going to be fine. We all have these hick-ups now and again but he'll pull through."
"I know Anthony but it still hurts knowing my child suffered needlessly. I wish James had told me he was with child. I could have at least put protections on his home so he and Haraldr would not have to suffer so." Loki hissed through the tears.
"I know but we can't change the past all we can do is be here for Harry and move forward. Now come on Caps got Harry wrapped in a flag over there. He'll come to us when he's ready. Let's go get you cleaned up Harry will worry if he sees you upset Lokes. Plus your scary sister will be here and she'll kill me if she sees you crying." Tony started to pull his hubby to their room down the hall.
"Hela is not scary just a bit protective." Loki gave a watery laughed.
"Yeah laugh it up. You're not the one she constantly tells is going to Niflheim to be tortured for eternity. She is super scary. It maybe the holidays but I am not going to get on her bad side so let's get you into a shower and I'll get Winky to bring us some hot chocolate."
"Thank you. You always seem know just what I need." he god leaned into his lover and let himself be guided to their room. They all needed a good rest tomorrow was Christmas and the Party from Asgard would be arriving to celebrate. Their family had over come a lot over the last four years but healing was never perfect or permanent. They just had to take it one day at a time.
XxXxXxXxXx
"Hey, Merry Christmas, Sorry we're late we had a break through with one of the Mandarin warehouse in the Bronx. We seized almost five hundred cases of serum that their operatives use." Phil explained as he and the director came into the living room where everyone was still enjoying gifts and hot chocolate.
"I was worried when you didn't show up with Steve and James." Pepper greeted giving him a Christmas kiss. "But I'm glad you made it for Christmas."
"Goose!" Harry and shadow ran to the flurken at the director's feet.
"Well now I know who your favorite is."
"Hi Uncle Nick." Harry smiled as stood up the flurken in one arm hugging Furry with the other.
"Merry Christmas, kid. I hope you're staying out of trouble."
"I don't go looking for trouble it finds me."
"Likely story, go and finish opening your presents." Nick smiled pushing the boy back to the piles of presents and the other children.
There was laughter and merriment as Clint's kids wrapped him in the used wrapping paper. Couples were sharing their gifts to on another and Winky serving hot chocolate to everyone. Harry and Peter were rolling around with two cats and a snake on the floor, while the Norse Gods sat at the card table enjoying the scene as they ate a late breakfast.
"So Eye Patch did you bring any holiday cheer?" Tony asked coming up from behind the SHIELD Director.
"Yeah we can talk about it later. Anything on your end?"
"Not since the expo. Justin got sentenced to three years probation because it wasn't totally his fault the robots went rouge. Hammer tech to a major hit to the stocks so we won't be hearing from him anytime soon."
"Happy Christmas Mortals! I bring gifts for all and elvin wine for the Adults." Jareth called out coming through the fireplace cleaning the soot with a wave of his hand.
"Godfather!" Harry nearly tackled the Goblin King.
"Oh Norns, who invited you here?" the Goddess of Death sneered.
"Hela be nice. Jareth was invited to spend the holidays here by your brother to make Haraldr happy." Frigga chided sipping her tea.
"Yes mother. I will try to tolerate his presence for now. Father is that your fifth muffin?"
"I confess Young Haraldr makes delicious Muffins."
"Yes and most has ended up in your beard." Hela rolled her eyes and her mother chuckled as they watched the King of the Gods hastily brush the crumbs out of his bread.
"You are lucky to get so many Father. Normally, Brother Tony manages to steal the lot before we get to the table." Thor laughed popping another cookie in his mouth.
"That is because I have charmed the sweeties so they vanish to another plate when Anthony is near. Any more sweets and he won't fit into his suit." Loki snorted as he and Jareth joined the royal family. "Thor, please leave some cookies for the children."
"Sorry brother, but as father said Haraldr makes delicious food."
"I am very proud of my grandson he has taken my instruction very well. He has helped me in the kitchens when he visits Asgard." Frigga beamed. "I have even taught him the recipes that you all favored as children."
"So that is why I found Asgardian elderberries tarts by my bed this morning and Anthony found a plate of Blueberry Muffins. It was Haraldr's gift to us."
"Yes, I found Asgardian Numbel Cookies on my bed side table as well! They were very delicious that I ate the whole plate on the way the breakfast." Thor agreed. "I believe that my Young nephew is baking everyone's favorites as his holiday gifts this year."
"You won't find me complaining I haven't had home made Cannolis since I was in the army." Bucky said as he walked by with a full breakfast plate.
"Ah, Strawberry Short Cakes!" Jareth grinned after opening the Christmas tin. "How did he know these are my favorite?"
"It could be that you have a plate always on the corner of your desk or side table to your throne. Even when we were children you were always stuffing your face with the sweets." Loki rolled his eyes before watching with amusement as his husband tried to take a muffin from the tray near the couch only for the tray to move to the coffee table near the children.
"Greetings everyone, sorry I'm late but I found this wizards trying to find his way past the protections." Stephen Strange announce pushing a familiar wizard into the room and Fury was on his feet.
"Kings what are you doing here? You said you would give me a heads up when you are entering my side of the world." Fury gave his brother a one glare.
"You side this space was neutral. I didn't think I had to, Happy Christmas to you too."
"It's Merry Christmas you British ass. I thought you were with the Old Man for the Holidays?"
"I am, he sends his regards to you and Mother. How is she by the way?"
"She's fine, work as personal Assistant to the President keeps her busy. Is The Old Man still at the International Confederation of Wizards?"
"Yeah he's working with others to get Dumbledore voted out from his position as Supreme MUGWURP. It is not easy as he has a lot of wizards under his influence."
"Good the less power the bastard the better for everyone. You staying for lunch?" Fury asked crossing his arms.
"Yeah, if you have room; I promised Father I would join him for Dinner."
"We have room we'll call Mom later she's asleep now."
"Fine with me." Kingsley shrugged.
The brothers stood facing off with one another and just exchanging family pleasantries as if they were weapons. It was morbidly fascinating to watch. It also explained a lot about the two brothers. The scary part was this was not at all surprising to the group of Avengers.
"YES!" was heard from outside on the magically enclosed patio.
"Oh come on! Jarvis please, tell me you recorded Agent popping the question!" Tony begged.
"I am sorry sir but agent Coulson managed to find a blind spot in the surveillance and speak to soft for the microphones to pick up." The AI relayed.
"Damn it! That's not fair!" the genius plopped down on the empty love seat then is join by his lover.
"Anthony not everyone wants their Special Moments recorded and shown to the world. I think is sweet the Son of Coul respects Lady Virginia's request for privacy." Loki smirked at his pouting lover.
"Everyone guess What!"
"We heard you scream 'yes', so I take Phil finally asked you to marry him." Steve chuckled pouring him and Bucky more coffee.
"That was really mean of you Agent hiding in the shadows and out of ear shot. What are we supposed to show at the reception?" Tony whined.
"Tony we're not into big flashy displays. Just know it was lovely special and private. I accepted and the wedding is going to be just as small and elegant. We decided to have the wedding in June after Harry comes home from school." Pepper was glowing with happiness. It truly was one of the best Christmases that Harry had ever had. His family was growing and the love was filling his soul. In the reflection of the window he could see the Ghostly figure of his Father James with his best Friend Lilly smiling at him. They waved at him and James nodded to Harry saying that his was truly happy for him and Loki finding happiness after he was gone.
Harry closed his eyes taking a deep breath and when he exhaled he opened them to see that his father and Lily were gone. He could still feel the happiness and Love that they gave him as well as the love of everyone in the room. This was his happy memory his Happiness.
"Expecto Patronum." A bright light shot from his wand and took the shape of a beautiful Stag with a huge twelve point Antler rack. The stag pranced around the room and went before the god of Mischief and bowed his head to him before returning to Harry's side and vanishing.
"He made a corporal Patronus at the age of just thirteen amazing." Kingsley said in a whispered awe.
"That was James wasn't it?" Loki could barely speak. He knew this spell and he knew that it had taken the form of his late-lover's animagus form.
"Yes father, he wanted us to know he's happy we found Happiness with our new family."Harry walked to the older god smiling as he was pulled into a tight hug. He felt his dad join them in the hug. Harry couldn't help but feel whole and loved. "Best Christmas Ever."
XxXxXxXxXx
"Are you sure this is wise?"
"Of course it is it was my idea."
"How is inviting that misguided boy back to Hogwarts a good idea. He was your failed experiment and he should have been left in Azkaban. You know the place you left me to rot."
"You were evil and you were going to kill me if I had not stopped you."
"Ah, the lies we tell to sleep at night. Peter may have his mind intact but it was never the same after the Cruciatus Curse. Tom was gifted but he was cruller than I. I believe his followers are all lacking in the sanity department. You are taking chances with setting Peter free."
"I have a plan but they have hidden themselves within this castle and from my sight. I need to Rat them out of their hiding hole. Who better to find a rat hole, than a rat? Peter has been given potion laced food from the house elves and tonight I will give him another task. I will not be out witted again! I will have Potter's power and this world will be mine as it was all meant to be."
"Do you think you are sane enough to rule this dying world?"
"Of course I am! What makes you say different? This world will thrive once I am in control."
"Ha, ha, ha, ha. You think you are sane yet you still hear and speak with me. I am long gone, I am a faded ghost of the past just like our loved has been dead and buried years ago. I am what remain of the sane part of your mind, but seems you won't even listen to the rational part of yourself."
"Rational, what makes you rational? You want me to give up my dream, our dream of making this world ours! Leave me be I have work to do!"
"Fine, as I am only talking to the darkness, I shall leave you for now. Know this Albus with each year your power is shrinking not growing. Your core has over extended itself and by the boy's seventh year if you have not purged yourself of the dark magic it will consume you and you will die."
"You are the madness plaguing my mind I have never seen things clearer. Away with you and say no more."
"I will go but can not silence the truth."
"Tap, tap, tap."
"Enter Peter I've been waiting for you." The shadows had vanished and now he stood alone. Albus turned to the door that led to a secret staircase.
"Headmaster, I am so sorry for being late." The man that entered the room was not the portly little boy who first came to Hogwarts at age eleven. This man was skin and bones and his eyes were sunken in. His facial features now have permanently merged with his animagus form as his nose was sharper and his front teeth were more pronounced. His beady eyes were glazed over sight unseeing as he walked into the room under the old man's control.
"That is alright my boy. How has your classes been?"
"Good, but seventh year is difficult." Albus smiled as the potions had done their work. Peter believed he was seventeen again. This control Potion was of his own design putting the victim in a childlike state when they were asleep. Peter would have no memory of this meeting but he will be compelled to seek out Harry and his friends gather any and all information on their meeting places and what they talked about. Tonight was the first time he would hear about Potter's friends still within the castle. If he could turn just one of them maybe he could draw Potter to his way of thinking.
"Tell me about your new friends Peter. Have you been studying together?"
"They play pranks on their brother Ron and Ron doesn't like it. Neville is quiet and always in the green house tending such strange flowers." The man seemed to drift in his thought. It was a constant problem with interacting with this dream state.
"What of the Slytherin? They aren't bothering you are they?"
"Lucius is different from his father Abraxas. He hasn't hexed me at all this year." It seemed that Peter saw Lucius instead of Draco when he looked at the young Malfoy.
"That's good then. What about Severus and the Youngest Black?"
"Severus is mean to me as always and through a shoe at me in potions today and Professor Slughorn didn't dock points or give him detention. Also Sirius' little brother has been stalking Snape with sad puppy eyes. His mother is not going to be pleased with that."
"No she's not, but that is for young Regulus to deal with. Have you mange to find where your new friends disappear to?"
"No Headmaster they seem to turn corners and vanish, even though I am right behind them, they leave without a trace of magic. I think they know I am following them. I'm sorry Headmaster. I tried I really did!"
"I know Peter. You'll have to try harder once James Potter returns to school. He is trying to take all your friends away and I need to know what he up to because if he is working with dark wizards he will be expelled." Albus grinned at the hopeful look on the convicts face. The Little half-blood was so starved for affection and belonging he was the perfect patsy for this mission total and complete loyalty.
"Yes Headmaster! I will do as you ask, I want James punished for taking my glory away!"
"Good Peter, now go back to bed you have a lot of work ahead of you. Tomorrow you need to follow the Slytherins Malfoy has been doing some questionable reading in dark art section." The flicking in Pettigrew's eyes was a sign that potion was wearing off.
"Yes Headmaster." Peter closed his eyes and retreated back through the secret door.
His plans were coming together. The New Year was starting to look bright and shiny after all.
A/N: Another chapter done but these are taking a bit Longer than I would like the Plot Bunnies are in and out make costumes and buying candy. Mixing their project with My mine for my Daughter costume. I'll be glad when the craziness has passed and I can sit back and enjoy all the Halloween Candy. Thanks for reading Keep Review Plot Bunnies need to be lured back.
