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 53 "Down to Earth and Back to Routine"
The summit came to a peaceful end with Alfheim winning First, Asgard taking second and Jotunheim in third, Midgard was in fourth with honorable mention. The delegates had all left with Helblindi giving Harry a caring hug in his shrunken size before taking his warriors home. Draco shook hands with Legolas and promised to write. It was strange that Thranduil looked a lot like his own father but there was no darkness oozing of the king, just a snooty entailed attitude that all Pure Bloods seem to carry.
Last night Dr. Strange and Wong spent the evening talking with Theo and Luna talking about their new guardianship over the Slytherin. Luna held the boy as he cried finally able to mourn the loss of his mother. They all spent an extra day recovering from the games and relaxing enjoying the local fair that was Asgard. Harry spent some quality time with his grandparents before Odin entered Odin Sleep for a month.
"Take care my Darling and write to your poor grandmother. I do get bored dealing in politics. I need to know you're doing well and happy to lift my spirits."
"Yes Grandmother, I will. I'll write Grandfather letters too, you can read to him while he sleeps. I'll miss you both and I'll see you in the summer." Harry hugged the queen tightly before returning to the inner chamber of the Bi-frost where his friends and Dr. Strange was waiting for them. Using the time stone he made use they were on time to meet the Train back to Hogwarts. The Bi-frost touched down one hour before families would start arriving for the train.
"Wow it seems like a life time ago when we were last here." Neville said as he lifted his rucksack on to his shoulder.
"You're not wrong Longbottom, but we've only been gone a week. Nothing has changed here on earth." Draco said as he holstered his wand.
"Well you kids are set for now. There is no hostile magic in the area so I'll head back to the London Sanctum. I'll there for the next four months if any of you need me or you can reach Wong at the New York Sanctum."
"Thank you Master Strange." The group Chorused and Harry practically tackled the Sorcerer in a hug. Stephen was his last relative to say good-bye too. Harry knew it was irrational separation anxiety but he just wanted to hold on just a bit longer. Cloak understood this was a privet moment and wrapped around the two shielding from the others.
"It's going to be okay Harry just a few more months until summer." Stephen whispered with a fond smile. He felt a messy head of Raven Hair rub against his chest and a dampness forming on his shirt. He knew the boy was reluctant to let go but understood he had to go. Harry let go but held himself stiffly. "Don't worry we're all just a phone call away. You are very loved by all of us, just remember that Harry."
"I know, but I already miss and everyone else. Take care Uncle Stephen I'll see you this summer." Harry thought wiping the tears from his eyes. Cloak released the humans taking his place back on Dr. Strange's shoulders. With one last smile goodbye the Sorcerer Supreme disappeared through an open portal.
"Come Harry let's get a carriage." Hermione coaxed the Ravenclaw on to the train followed by their friends. MAGIC boarded the train and secured a carriage at the back and magically enlarged it to fit them all comfortably. The ride was uneventful and for that the group was glad. It was dark when the train arrived at Hogwarts station to a welcome party of Kingsley and their DADA professor.
"Hey kids, how was your trip?" Reggie asked with a huge smile. Harry had a raised eyebrow and signed to Susan who was closest to him.
"Harry wants to know why you and Auror Kingsley look like cats who ate the canary?" the Hufflepuff translated.
"Because Miss Bones, while you all were gone we caught ourselves a rat."
"What Lord Black means is, we caught Peter Pettigrew but the Dementors are still around due to suspected Death Eater activity. Oh and Nick wanted me to drop this off for your Harry. He even put it in and anti-magic envelope." The Auror glared handing Harry the thick envelope.
"So we are stuck with those dark creatures roaming around the school. This is unbelievable." Daphne raged pushing her way to the carriages.
"You only got to put up with them until the end of school or certain gods with access to gods of death sweep them away with their army of Reapers. What do you say Harry?" Black asked following the group.
The Ravenclaw rolled his eyes and nudge Susan to answer for him. "Harry will write to his Aunt later night now we all need a hot meal and a good night's sleep."
"Alright enjoy our dinner I'll keep in touch." Kingsley then apparated out of sight.
"So Cousin, have you solved your personal problems while we were gone?"
"You know Draco; you are as nosy as your Mother. No Severus and I are still at a stand still; there is no end in sight for this stalemate. We did make progress on understanding our Hogwarts years. Other than that I am still getting the cold shoulder."
"Well, I'll have some time this weekend if you want to talk about it."
"That would be nice, if you can keep it between us and not your mother. Cissy has already sent me three howlers since that intervention you and Lokison hosted." Reggie shivered with dread.
"Deal, now let's hurry I'm starving. The summit really put us through the paces. Even though there were feasts every night, I'm still hungry."
"You're a growing boy Draco; you need the extra nutrition to keep up with your body's growing needs. At this rate you'll be taller than your mother by summer's end."
XxXxXxXxXx
"I don't care that you spotted the target making a two once pot buy, you do not break cover when you do a stake out unless under immediate threat! Now get out of my office. You are on desk duty until further notice. Hill; take this Rookie and send him to filing and requisitions!" Fury yelled as Agent Hill guided the now sobbing junior agent out off the office.
"Well done sir that's the four rookies sent to the basement. It's going to get crowded down there soon." Coulson smiled briefly before he handed the director a stack of folders.
"That basement is going to be pack with these rookies don't start using the damn brains God gave them. So what's this?"
"This sir is the report on the inter-realm summit that was held in Asgard. The Avengers preformed well and snagged fourth place. Ms. Potts and I were able to secure communications and trade with Asgard and Alfheim as well as Jotunheim. The file in the Red folder is for your eyes only. It's Harry's report on his role in the Summit as well as others in his group. He also sent a copy to your brother for wizarding records."
"They only grabbed Fourth Place? Looks like the Avengers are due for some serious training sessions."
"While I agree that they need to refine their skills for any outside threats from the universe, the next summit is in twenty years. It will be up to the next generation of Avengers to get us past fourth place. There is also report by Agents Romanoff and Barton about the attempt of sabotage. I put in a request for the Quinjet upgrades to be done at Stark's Manor in Scotland. Security hasn't completely finished with recertification of SHIELD Employees since the HYDRA take down so we a secure location for the necessary upgrades."
"HYDRA left a shit load of paperwork and a mess of security breaches. Avengers need a secure place without chance of infiltration." Nick said as he signed off on the request and scanned the reports.
"Actually I was talking with Ms. Potts about extending room for the Avengers training sessions. She informed me that Stark had been thinking about building a place for just the Avengers but thought there might be a lot of red tape and SHEILD interference."
"So Stark wants it off the books and no government involvement. Fine we have no choice with us still cleaning house but make sure you have full access to this new training center. We can't afford then to be total with out Parental Control."
"Yes sir. I'll get right on that."
"On an unrelated note, have you found a secure location for your wedding?"
"Pepper won't tell me but Jarvis is in charge of security and background checks with our vendors and venue. Pepper basically said that all I had to do was show up and say 'I Do'." Coulson shrugged and picked up the all the signed papers.
"That sounds ominous. Well just tell me when it is and I'll clear the time. Now send in the next screw up."
"No can do sir, or we won't have any rookies left." A voice said entering the office.
"Agent Carter, I hope that you have my lunch in that paper bag.
"No sir, I sent another newbie out for that. I on the other hand have a lead for you. Mandarin has made their first public attack in London at a Lab that was analyzing the serum. Now only we know that Bruce has already made a cure but in the records of SHEILD and Former HYDRA there is no record of a cure. The lab was going over the serum in an attempt to reverse engineer it and a cure for it. So this attack is likely a fact finding mission and recapture of their serum secrets." Sharon said as she placed another file on the already crowded desk of Nick Fury.
"Get Rogers and Barnes on that lead and then they can drop the Quinjet off in Scotland for upgrades by Stark. So if that is not my lunch what is in that bag?"
"It's for Agent Coulson. It is his lunch as well as three cake samples for the wedding cape. Chocolate with chocolate ganache, lemon with a raspberry filling and Cinnamon cake with an Almond butter cream."
"Thank you Agent Carter. I'll just…" Phil reached for the bag but another hand got to it first.
"Don't move Coulson. Carter go get three forks. We're going to take a serious debate on these cakes and help Agent Coulson make the right choice."
"Yes sir!" Sharon saluted with a big grin and left to get the forks. Phil sighed in defeat as Fury unloaded the cake containers from his lunch bag ready for the taste test. He should have told Pepper to wait until he got home to try the cakes. But no, he had to say send them in with lunch that he forgot. Sometimes working for Nick Fury truly sucked.
XxXxXxXxXx
"Sir I have a message from Captain Rogers. They are on assignment in London but will be here later tonight to drop off the Quinjet for Upgrades."
"Good that will give me something to do while Loki is recovering his magic." Tony said as he was working on an upgrade to Harry's suit. His son was getting taller maybe not as tall as other kids his age but he was making progress. Tony had been a bit lonely since they got back because once they landed Loki fell unconscious in his arms. The mage fell into his own healing sleep just like Odin. Thor said it was because Loki had over extended his seidr and need rest. So now Tony was waiting for his beloved husband to wake up.
"Sir there is an email from Ms. Potts. You have been given permission to start your Avenger Project."
"Yes!" Tony pushed his feet sending him rolling back in his chair to another computer. Where he did some fast typing, bringing up the plans on his 3D hologram. "Jarvis start contacting the contractors. I want this done before Christmas."
"Yes Sir."
"Master Anthony lunch is ready and Master Harry told Winky that you are not allowed to skip meals."
"When did he tell you that?"
"Sir, Master Harry made these instructions clear to the house elves last year before leaving for Wakanda. Winky has been the reason you have had sandwiches at odd hours of the day when you were in your New York lab."
"Hey who's the parent here? Harry should be a carefree child."
"Master Harry knows of your lack of self care when he or Prince Loki, are not around to keep you on track." Jarvis said dryly.
"Master Anthony food is getting cold." Winky persisted.
"Go tell Thor I'm sure he'd like a hot meal."
"Master Thor has already eaten and is in the training room. Master Anthony will eat now! Ghost Jarvis stop all work. Master Anthony needs to eat."
"Sorry Winky that's not How J, works…"
"All current projects had been save and lab is on shut down for two hours."
"Hey Jarvis what are you doing? I'm not done here." Tony complained as everything shut down around him.
"Master Harry and Prince Loki have give Winky access and over-ride permission to insure you eat and sleep." The house elf snapped with her hands on her tiny hips.
"This is mutiny! Fine I'm out numbered. But this is not the end of it. What's for lunch anyway?" Tony got up and started to follow the House elf.
"Winky made Roast Beef using Master Harry's recipe." Winky saw that Master Tony was now smiling with happiness because Master Harry take real good care of Him and Master Loki. Winky would continue to follow Master Harry's order and take real good care of her Masters.
"That sounds good, is there any dessert?"
"Only if Master Anthony eats all of his food, then you can have Blueberry Pie Winky made this morning."
"Okay I promise I'll eat all my veggies." Tony accepted his fate. Little did he know Harry and Loki gave Winky a long list of bribes for her to use on Tony to get him to follow her instructions.
XxXxXxXxXx
Harry was snoozing on the couch in the Founder's Room not knowing he was being watched from above. He tossed and turned visions filled his dreams. The Norns were trying to tell him something. Something big was going to hit and he needed to be ready. He saw his Grandfather in his full armor just like on the Opening day of the Summit, but he wasn't in Asgard. There were lights going in and out and each time the light appear another of his family appeared the Last light to appear Revealed his Uncle Helblindi. How was that possible? The call of blood couldn't reach that far from earth to Jotunheim could it? The visions left him exhausted and he fell deeper into the realm of sleep.
"James, let the boy rest. You know he still doesn't know you are here?"
"Remus, I can't help it, that's my little boy, a baby I carried and I have no memory of because we were painted before his birth. I lost my life and I lost my family all to a war I didn't really believe in. Yes Pure-bloods were a pain but others were starting to change things. Dumbledore said we were needed to fight Dark Wizards. I asked what Dark Wizards? Suddenly Voldemort appeared in Diagon Alley and there was a war. I have no idea what happened after that. I know for sure I would have never force Harry to attend Hogwarts if he didn't want to. I know with how smart he is, he could have gone anywhere or even Asgard to learn magic. We may only be paintings but with magic as strong as his we can feel it. I know he was meant for greater things than Dumbledore has said. He believes that Harry is only useful as a weapon of war."
"We all know that and Harry has the support of his friend to make sure he won't get trapped in Dumbledore's web of lies. He also has Regulus and Severus looking after him as well. My Dear Friend, I know you're worried but from what we have seen your son is doing well even under the pressure our world has put him under. He is also a prankster at heart. You should be very proud of him."
"I am Remy. I just wish I was here to watch and help him grow in to the man he is destined to be."
"Purr," the loud rumble was heard entering the room.
"See Prongs, here comes his personal protection now." They watched Shadow shift his size from large Jinx to that of a small house cat before leaping on to Ravenclaw's sleeping chest.
"Mew, purr."
"He also serves as his personal comfort too."
"I guess you're right but I just want to watch him for a little bit longer."
"Alright not too much longer, we'll talk to Reggie tonight about meeting Harry face to portrait. They have been back from Asgard for two weeks more than enough time for him to settle into routine."
"Okay, I'll see you in a bit; now go back to our painting before Padfoot starts getting restless." James waved off the laughing werewolf. When he was left alone he watched his son and his Jinx sleep and hoped to Merlin that he was having peaceful dreams.
XxXxXxXxXx
"Little brother what are you doing here?" Hela asked the God that appeared from behind wearing his mortal casual t-shirt and Jeans with his well worn Asgardian boots.
"I felt you land on Midgard and I thought I would come say hello, and to see if you needed my help." Thor smiled sending a gust of wind to sweep the Dementors closer to Hela's Reapers.
"I do not need help to dispose of these abominations, but since you are here, how is Loki?"
"He is still sleeping and will be for some time. He was truly drained of magic that he collapsed once the bi-frost had left Midgard." Thor said solemnly.
"Oh Norns, why must he be so stubborn? I told him to drink the water of Valhalla to replenish his magic but no he said Mother and Haraldr needed it more. I swear he is more like the old Oxnard than either you or I. How is the Tin Man dealing with Loki's long nap?"
"Tony is stressed with out our brother to keep him in balance. The House elves and Jarvis are a least able to keep him from over working and eating regular meals. I just hope Loki's sleep won't be for that much long for I fear that Tony's mind just might break."
"Well we can't have that or Haraldr will think I had something to do with that. After I finish cleaning up this mess we will go back to the Manor and correct Baby Brother's stubborn mistake."
"Sister why are these creatures here, and why are there so many?"
"Haraldr wrote me and said they were sent here for the protection of the students. It was suggested that there was mortal villains after the students by the Crazy Old Mortal called a headmaster. This means these things are putting all the students in danger and must be taken care of before they get a chance to hurt our beloved nephew." Hela sneered as she summoned another batch of reapers to replace the worn out ones.
"That Mortal is trespassing on dangerous grounds. I would like nothing more that to show him Storm Beaker or maybe Mjolnir to his face."
"Now, now, Little Brother, we can not mess with the balance of time, no matter how much we would like too."
"Hela what do you think of Mother's vision? Haraldr is facing Mortal games that are likely to be just as dangerous as our games."
"Yes, but they are mortals where Haraldr is a god. I believe that he will win but he will not come out unscathed. He will do all within his powers to protect the mortals he is competing against. The Old Oxnard is not going to be pleased with what is to come and I believe that while he sleeps the Norns are telling him exactly what is to come to prevent his or our interference."
"I hate waiting."
"As do I Little Brother but that is what we must do. Now let us return to the Manor. If I missed any of these abominations Haraldr has his own reapers to handle the stragglers." The Goddess vanished the reapers back to Niflheim and changed her armor to that of a long soft Green sweater and black leggings with black slip on flats.
"After you Sister and I shall follow." Thor bowed watching her vanish in a green Puff of Smoke and he struck Mjolnir on the ground vanishing in the Bolt of Lightning.
XxXxXxXxXx
"No! You are not going!'
"Steve,"
"Don't Steve me! Did you learn nothing from Wakanda? You need me there to watch your back!" The Blond glared at his husband. This argument had been going on and off since they returned from Asgard. The Good Captain did not like the Sergeant taking solo missions.
"Look it's not up to you and you may out rank me but I have more experience and I can blend a lot better than you. I'm not going alone, Nat is going with me. We need eyes and ears near Harry's school next year. Things are heating up and they need some real back up. His friends are improving but he needs Avengers that can move in the shadows, and that's the Winter Soldier and the Black Widow. Captain America stands out like a glow stick in the dark."
"I still don't like it. Why isn't Clint going?"
"Barton has a family and state side missions to cover while Nat is here England. Shield needs you to be active in the States so the public doesn't turn on the Avengers after more questionable Missions. From what Tony and Loki said, next year is going to be really challenging for Harry. I owe it to him to be there after leaving him with HYDRA for so long." Bucky stomped off back to the Quinjet. They just finished checking out the destroyed Mandarin lab when Bucky made comment that Harry was so close and wonder if he should take an apartment near the school soon to get the lay of the land for next year. Steve just snapped going in to overprotective mode.
"Buck you can't keep blaming yourself for that. Harry put you under a spell. You thought that he was dead and had no reason to believe otherwise. He wanted to free you before you did something you regretted."
"Yeah well I should have remembered him. I mean I didn't see his body they just said he was dead. The Army taught us if you don't see a dead body then there is always a chance that they could be alive. Deep down I should have believe he still could have been alive not glad he was dead to free him from the torture they were putting him through!" Bucky's face was now cover in tears as he finally realized that he had hoped Harry had died when he was told by Dr. List that he was dead. He couldn't free him physically but that the boy's soul had been freed from this tragic life. He had been feeling guilty because of the thought of rejoicing that Harry had died. He never gave in to the hope that Harry was still alive because that would mean the boy was getting torture over and over in to using his magic.
"Oh sweetheart it's not your fault and there was nothing wrong with hoping that Harry was at peace. You are human and at the time you thought Harry was too. There is only so much the Human body can take before it breaks or dies. You knew the training was rough it was natural to think that they had finally went too far trying to use his magic. James Buchanan Barnes there is not an evil Bone in your body to really wish harm on anyone let alone Harry. You went right to HYDRA and took Harry back the moment you knew he was alive. Harry has never held it against you that you were free before coming to get him. He wanted you to be free. That little boy loves you like another father and trusts you more than even his own parents. There is nothing for you to feel bad or blame yourself for." Steve held his crying lover in his arms. He didn't realize that Bucky was hiding this pain in his heart.
"I gotta go Steve, Harry needs me, Harry needs me." Bucky sobbed his mind lost back in time to almost five years ago when they first went to rescue the little boy who would make a home in all of their hearts.
"Captain if I may suggest a sedative in the drawer to your right it will put the Sergeant asleep until you reach Frigga's Meadow." The AI's voice came through just Steve's com.
"Thanks Jarvis." Steve slipped the pressure syringe out of the drawer and into his husband's neck. Bucky dropped like a stone and Steve scooped him up then buckled him into the bed they used for the injured. "So Jarvis what are you doing on the Quinjet. I'm sure Director Fury said you weren't allowed to be installed in any Shield equipment."
"I won't tell did you don't sir." Jarvis replied over the load speaker.
"Harry has been teaching you evasion tactics hasn't he?"
"Master Harry as been upgrading my language matrix to be relatable and more human like. I have programmed the coordinates into your navigation system estimated time two hours and ten minutes."
"Alright I won't pry, now start the engines I'll close and lock the doors.
"Yes sir." Jarvis started up the engines as Steve secured the doors then buckled himself into the pilot's seat.
"Jarvis, can I ask you something?"
"Of course Captain Rogers."
"Do you think I'm over reacting to Bucky's plan to stay close to Harry next year? I know he'll have Nat with him, but those visions that Tony told us about seem serious. I don't want Bucky or Harry at that school but Harry has to go back because that stupid contract and Bucky would be great protection but I can help but feel that this is a bad idea." The American Hero confided as the jet took off into the air.
"I understand your concern. As Avengers you have experienced many dangers and had to complete some impossible tasks. It is understandable you question the next mission whether it is for you or your teammates. I would advise you to think about your team mates. You know their skills and that they are all very intelligent even if Master Tony tends to deviate from the play book or plan. You may not trust the Mission but you should trust your teammates. As for Master Harry going to that school he has done well so far and knows when to call for the help of others such as his friends or his Avenger Family. Queen Frigga has had visions and they have made everyone wonder about the upcoming year, but these visions give Master Harry and The Avengers time to prepare and plan. I believe if you think it over you will come to the right conclusion."
"You're right, I know the team is razor sharp and can handle themselves but I just can't help but worry. Bucky has the skills to disappear in a crowd and blend. Don't report this to Shield but Bucky's exposure to Harry's magic for the years they were held by HYDRA made him a little magical too. He can see magic places and perform little magic tricks like finding things but nothing like Harry and Strange can do. So I know he can survive in the magical world without giving himself away. I guess after what happened in Wakanda both times, I'm scared to let him out of my sight."
"Again sir, that is understandable. May I suggest calling Sam Wilson and ask him to make a house call to the manor. Ms. Potts is flying over in two days to pick and drop off more SI paper work and go over some wedding plans."
"That's sound like some good advice. I'll call him once I get Bucky settled at the manor."
"Yes sir. I do have something that might help pass the time. Friday has beeen sending me what master Tony would call a blooper reels of Master Harry and his friends in some of their early training sessions."
"Ha, Ha, a blooper reel? I take it Harry doesn't know about it, does he?"
"No he does not. It is just something that my sister and I view to help with improving their skills. Master Tony and Prince Loki find it as good humor to watch when they are in low spirits."
"Then I can't wait to see it. Play it on screen two I can see it fine from this angle while I scan the friendly skies."
"Yes sir. The first video is of the first training meeting at the field near the castle during Master Harry's first year." The AI narrated as the video began to play of first year wizards and witches try to master simple exercises and spells. Steve chuckled and winced at the silly antic of the students knowing his cloud of worry would be gone by the time he landed at the Scotland Manor.
XxXxXxXxXx
Bruce was going over the figures on the screen that Tony had sent over from Scotland when he heard light foot steps enter his lab. He didn't turn around knowing who was there, instead he kept working.
"You know you should have been a cat."
"So you always say. I just got in and it's after midnight." Natasha smiled circling her arms around The Gamma doctor's waist.
"Couldn't sleep without you and I dread next year when you're away with Barnes spying on Harry."
"I won't be spying on Harry but I will be looking out for him and those kids. Fury wasn't happy when Barnes and presented the plan to him but after talking with his brother he agreed that these visions should be taken seriously. But we'll have magic tech to keep in touch."
"Not the same. I've grown use cuddling you at night. For some reason you chase the nightmares away." Bruce turned and looped his arms around the petite Redhead.
"You do the same for me. It must be a super hero thing. Harry will be home in a month then there is Wedding; so we got time to enjoy some cuddles while everyone is else where right now."
"Really we're the only ones in the tower?" Bruce asked giving her kiss on the lips.
"That is correct Dr. Banner. Sir and Prince Loki are in Scotland hosting Prince Thor, Captain Roger, Sergeant Barnes, and Sam Wilson. Agent Barton is visiting his Family and Ms. Potts is spending the evening with Agent Coulson. You and Agent Romanoff are the only ones in the tower other than the Office cleaning crew who will have finish by 3 am."
"Thanks Jarvis. So Dr. Banner how about coming to my floor and have some left over Hot and Sour soup I made and then a good night's sleep? I'm off for the next two day and I plan to spend them lounging in bed watching the Telenovela Soap Operas with you. What do you say?"
"I say that sounds like heaven. Jarvis please save my research and lock down the labs."
"Yes sir. Also there are emails for both of you from Master Harry."
"Well mail from Мой младший брат have made my day complete. I can't wait to read them." Natasha's smile was brighter as the couple made their way upstairs.
"Mine too, and we aren't the only ones who want him home. Hulk has been asking daily when Harry will be back. Maybe the email will put his mind at ease for a bit."
"It will, I know it does me. Soon everyone will be together and we'll be tripping over one another. So while that is nice and a bit frustrating let's enjoy our alone time and worry about tomorrow another day."
"I can't help but agree with you, so on that note Jarvis Nat's floor and step on it."
"Yes sir." The elevator doors closed before sending the two Avengers to the desired floor. It was peaceful under the night sky of New York and at least for now all was right in the world.
A/N: It's fall and the pumpkins are out time for the Plot Bunnies Halloween Party. Hopefully they will scare up some more chapters. Thanks for Reading and Keep Reviewing the Plot Bunnies need Treats to go with their Tricks.
