Disclaimer: I don't own any characters used, they are from Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling or Avengers from Marvel Entertainment/Disney. This is for entertainment purposes only and I do not profit from this fic financially.
It was a normal day for the inhabitants of the Avengers tower. The Avengers woke up, ate breakfast, and started training. The day was terribly normal, until lunchtime that is,
'Ring, ring!' A phone went off. Natasha picked up her phone, it was vibrating with a call from Fury. "Hello?"
"I need you come in to headquarters ASAP. We have some information that I think you want to know," Fury replied.
"I'll be there," Nat said before she hung up. Her teammates, and her son were looking at her, puzzled.
That's right! Nat had a son, Aleksei Yakovich Romanov. Aleksei, sometimes just called Alek by family and friends, was born Harry James Potter. When the Potters were attacked and killed when he was just a baby, he was left on his aunt Petunia's doorstep, in the freezing cold. That fateful November night Nat had a mission in Britain. She was walking back to a S.H.I.E.L.D. base in London when she happened to pass by Surrey. She found baby Harry crying on his aunt's doorstep, with a letter in his basket. She read the letter. The letter had said that Harry's parents had been attacked by a dark wizard with the name of Voldemort. Harry had a twin brother who was younger than him by four hours. His brother survived the attack and happened to be the one who killed Voldemort, witch a scar on his cheek to prove it. Harry's parents thought he was weak because he showed no sign of having magic unlike his younger brother. The letter was signed off by three people named Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, James Charlus Potter, and Lily Marie Potter . As she looked closer, there was a postscript at the bottom: 'In the case where you [Petunia] do not want Harry, please send him to an orphanage.' Harry's basket also contained several sheets of paper. From what Nat could tell, they were guardianship papers. Nat was disgusted at how these people treated their son for being different. She took Harry to a nearby hotel to wait out the night.
The next day, Nat took Harry to meet his aunt. She also took the letter as well as the guardianship papers. When the two met Petunia Evans, who was apparently divorced shortly after her son's birth, she also had the same reaction Nat did the night before. Petunia apologized, saying that while she does want to take Harry in, she doesn't have enough money to take care of two toddlers. Nat had a proposition: allow her to legally and magically adopt Harry as her own, and Petunia could visit her nephew anytime she wished, means permitting. Petunia agreed, and the two adults started the paperwork. Nat also changed Harry's name to Aleksei Yakovich Romanov. Starting from then, whenever Nat and Alek happen to be in England, they made sure to inform Petunia. Dudley and Alek became great friends as they grew up.
Nat answered, "Guys, it's nothing to worry about. Fury just wants to talk. Alek, if James doesn't mind, stay with him, kay?"
"I don't mind. Besides, I've nothing to do anyways," James 'Bucky' Barnes replied, with eleven-year-old Alek nodding his head along slowly.
"I shouldn't be gone too long, though I'm not back before lunch, eat without me, bye Alek, James," Nat said ready to go out the door.
She took a black Porsche that just screamed spy to headquarters. When she arrived, Fury was waiting inside for her.
"Look, I'm going to tell you some information that you have a right to know. But I'm not totally convinced that this is a good idea," Fury started.
"Humor me."
Fury and Nat sat down in his office. Fury started talking again. "Three days ago, a source of mine found some odd information concerning you and your family. It turns out, your great-grandfather was the Tsar of Magical Russia. Your grandfather had been a prince of the realm, after his eldest and only brother. However, he was exiled for some mysterious reason. The current Tsar, your grandfather's brother's only child, is the current Tsar. Apparently, he decided his uncle's exile had been too long already and allowed him back to Magical Russia. Unfortunately, your grandparents and parents were dead, before they found out, so that makes you...second-in-line for the Tsarship of Magical Russia and your son third. Your first cousin, once removed, has apparently made it clear that he wishes to have no children. But the Romanovs have quite the clean record unlike their Muggle counterparts."
"So...what you're saying is...I'm a princess? Like a tsarevna? And my son's a Grand Duke?" The idea seemed laughable to Nat.
Fury sighed. When you thought about, it did sound kind of funny. "Yes...but since your magical relatives have no idea about you... I suggest keeping it under wraps and think on it a bit more. Besides, your son's about the age to enter the Wizarding world, isn't he?"
"Yeah, alright, I'll take your advice. But how come my magic hasn't acted up like Aleksei's?" Natasha couldn't help but add.
"I asked Loki, his theory was because you practically grew up with gore and violence that your magic was used to it, so it didn't think you were being threatened. And yes, I told Loki a little, not all of it, just the basics. His other guess was you just didn't have magic which is apparently possible. Ask him on any other magic-related questions you have."
Nat nodded and headed for the door. She took her time exiting S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters and making her way home. It was just before noon when Nat entered the Tower, mind still whirling with the information she had received from Fury. After all, it isn't everyday a superspy is told she is the heiress to one of the most powerful, she guessed it just as powerful as its Muggle counterpart had been at one point, Magical Realms.
Line Break
A small blur with ash-brown hair greeted her and pulled her from her thoughts.
"Mom!" Alek said excitedly. "You're back! My Hogwarts letter just arrived!"
Nat thought, Well, that was sooner than anticipated. Especially right after finding out about my heritage…
But she said instead, "That's good news, Alek. Let's go open it then." Alek dragged Nat to the living room where the rest of the Avengers, and pseudo-Avengers were waiting, some having just arrived. Alek opened his letter, and read aloud.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Headmaster: Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
(Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards, Order of Merlin, First Class)
Dear Mr. Aleksei Romanoff,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find an enclosed list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on the 1st of September. We await your reply no longer than the 31st of July. To avoid detection by Muggles, please use the entrance located at Kings Cross Station, Downtown London, on Platform 9 ¾. We look forward to having you at our school!
Yours Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
"Here's the supplies list," Alek said, continuing on.
First-year students will require:
Uniform
Three Sets of Plain Work Robes (Black)
One Plain Pointed Hat (Black) for day wear
One Pair of Protective Gloves (dragon hide or similar)
One Winter Cloak (Black, silver fastenings)
Please note that all student's clothes should carry name-tags at all times.
Books
The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1 by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
Other Equipment
1 Wand
1 Cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set of glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set of brass scales
Students may also bring an Owl, a Cat or a Toad.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS.
"Well then, Alek, pick a day, and we can ask your aunt and cousin to come with us. They probably know where to get all this stuff," Nat said, not unexcitedly.
"Ok, I'll call them right now. How does two weeks before school starts sound?" Alek questioned.
Nat answered, "Perfect. I'm going to see what to eat for lunch now." The rest of the audience dispersed, after some small chats here and there.
Line Break
"Dudley!" Alek shouted, running up to his cousin.
"Hey cuz! We're going shopping today, right?" Dudley said excitedly, his mother and Nat walking behind the two happy cousins as they walked to Diagon Alley.
Alek answered, "Yep, but some of the stuff on my list we already got. Sorry you couldn't be there."
Petunia raised an eyebrow at Nat. "Already got?"
"Before we came, we made a short stop to Russia. We got Alek's wand and school robes," Nat replied calmly.
"Ahh, that makes sense."
After that, the four walked to Flourish and Blotts. They quickly found the books Alek needed for his first year and were in the process of checking out. After they checked out, Dudley spotted the Magical Menagerie and suggested they go there, even if just for fun.
Dudley said, "Look! There's so many different kinds of animals! Alek, what kind do you want?"
"I'm thinking...an owl, so that I can contact everyone until Uncle Tony and Uncle Bruce figure out how to get technology working in the school," Aleksei replied thoughtfully.
"Cool, what breed?"
Alek thought for a moment. "One that is preferably dark-colored as well as quiet. Not really a specific breed."
His cousin laughed. "That description fits you perfectly. What about this one? The plaque says this owl is very special as it is dark-colored. Apparently, dark-colored owls are not very common. I'll do more research when I get home. But everyone seems to be avoiding this particular owl. What about it?"
"Perfect. Мама, can we get her? Please?" Alek asked, with puppy eyes. Nat couldn't resist his cute face.
"Alright, but promise me you'll take good care of her, 'kay?"
"Yes Мама, I promise!"
Nat took the dark owl's cage to the counter and paid for it. It was a very cheap owl and half price at that, because of its unique feather color. Nat and Petunia decided to treat the boys to ice cream at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor because of their extremely good behavior that day. Everything was going just fine, until a certain family was walking past the ice cream parlor.
"Mommy! Mommy! I want ice cream! Shopping is so booooring! Ice cream! Ice cream! NOW!" A emerald-eyed with raven-black hair boy yelled.
A redheaded woman standing next to an older version of the little boy soothed the boy. "Of course, Jamie. You deserve it after all. School shopping can be exhausting. Go and pick your favorite flavors."
"Yeah, your mom's right, kiddo. Go find a seat and we'll bring you your ice cream!" The man who looked liked his son (obviously) encouraged.
The boy ran up to the Romanoff/Evans table and proclaimed loudly, "Hey, that's my seat! Get out!" Jamie pushed Alek off his seat, Alek saved by Nat's fast reflexes.
"Hey kid, I don't know who you are but I don't see your name on here! We came here first, so too bad!" Nat retorted angrily, Dudley and his mom's heads also nodding along, glaring at the spoiled boy.
"Nuh uh! Don't you who I am! I'm the Boy-Who-Lived, Jamie Potter! And I'm also heir to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter! You dare treat me in such a horrible way!" Jamie Potter screamed, face red and steam nearly coming out of his ears.
His dad came over. Nat thought the older Potter would chide his child but instead he glared at her and said, "Well, what are you waiting for? Can't you see Jamie's upset! Get out of our booth!"
Petunia whispered to Nat, "Come, just let them have it. Besides, I think the boys are almost done."
Nat said nothing but got up slowly, letting Alek stand up on his own. The rest of their party also rose, silently. Then they left.
Lily Potter came over to see the commotion. "Ugh, and they didn't even bother to clean up! Stupid muggles!"
"Petunia, you wanted to leave because that's...Alek's birth mother, correct?" Nat questioned the woman next to her, out of Alek or Dudley's hearing range.
Petunia said sadly, "Yes. If Alek knew about that, how terrible his family is, I…think it would break him."
The two walked in silence after that. Both understand the implications, Nat was worried about Alek's emotional health. Alek knew who his real parents were, Nat did not hide it from him, she told him everything she knew concerning him. But meeting the parents that basically abandoned you is a whole other story. The pain would destroy him.
Line Break
"Now, remember Alek, be respectful and courteous of your schoolmates. But don't hesitate to put bullies in their place, 'kay?"
Alek said meekly, "Yes, Uncle Steve. And-"
"And don't forget, once I figure out how to work tech around the magic thing which is really just science we don't know yet, you'll be able to contact us whenever you like," Tony Stark interrupted. "And, make sure to at least flirt with one girl."
Pepper, Nat, and Wanda simultaneously raised their hand and slapped Stark's head. He winced from the pain. Behind the four, Alek was trying to mask a smile and Steve and Bucky were laughing their heads off, more Bucky than Steve.
Line Break
Aleksei found a compartment in the back of the sleek Hogwarts Express. He purposely sat closest to a door, then settled down to read a book for the ride. After a while, a girl his age-eleven, came knocking along with a nervous-looking boy behind her.
The girl asked, "Have you seen a toad? Neville here lost it."
"No, but I might have if you ask nicely," Alek retorted, the girl was very rude coming in to his compartment without his permission and not even asking politely, nor introducing her own name. "I'm sure if you ask a prefect they can find it for you."
The girl huffed, and pulled Neville, apparently, along with her. Alek felt bad for the boy who was obviously being dragged around, because the girl was bossy and impolite. He didn't wait to see them follow his suggestion, he went back to reading his book.
A knocking sound came from the door. Alek glanced up from his novel. It was a group of kids around his age. He opened the door.
"Hello," said a platinum blonde boy. "I'm Draco Malfoy, and this is Vincent Crabbe, Gregory Goyle, Tracey Davis, and Daphne Greengrass. Can we sit with you? The other compartments are full, and Pansy Parkinson kicked us out of our original one. If you don't feel like sharing a compartment, that's okay too."
Alek considered his options. He decided to let them stay as he could use some friends anyway. "Of course, feel free to sit wherever you guys like."
"I've never seen you before. You don't seem to be around here," piped up Davis. Greengrass quickly chided her.
Alek smiled. "No, I'm not. I'm American."
"Woah, what's it like living in America? Father says the muggles have some of the most amazing food ever," said Malfoy as he widened his eyes.
Alek chuckled. "Yeah, everything's pretty amazing. So, can you guys explain to me Britain's wizarding world? I've never been here."
Goyle said, "We would be delighted. Let's start with our classmates and people in general. If you haven't met him yet, be glad. So, first avoid Jamie Potter and Ronald Weasley and their goons. They are our enemies, and Potter is terribly spoiled. Weasley hangs on to him for fame and money."
"Yeah, but if you want, you could hang out with them too. Weasley's brothers aren't so bad, especially the twins. It's the youngest two you have to watch out," Tracey continued.
Alek furrowed a eyebrow. "I think…I've met Potter before. He was throwing a tantrum in Diagon Alley."
Daphne nodded her head. "Yes, that is quite normal for him actually. By the way, my cousin and her friend might be coming by later, I hope you don't mind."
Alek shook his head. "Not at all, not at all. Can I know their names though?"
Crabbe spoke up. "Her name's Susan Bones. Her best friend is Hannah Abbott. They're practically inseparable. Susan's the niece of the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic in Britain. Her aunt's known to be a fair and impartial judge and interrogator. My dad said she's pretty awesome."
Alek was surprised. "So you guys know her?"
"Yeah. Everyone thinks our families are dark. Not really, we are just descended from Morgana le Fay. The Greengrasses are actually a Neutral House, but they are also descended from le Fay. Actually, I think they have a more direct relation. The House of Bones is Neutral, but everyone else thinks they are Light for some reason. Amelia Bones is one of the toughest and most brilliant witches around," Draco explained.
The rest of their train ride passed in relative peace. Draco, Vince, Greg, Tracey, and Daphne took turns to explaining. They told him how the wizarding hierarchy worked, the basic history of the British wizarding world, history of Hogwarts, and even the history of the train they were riding.
Suddenly, Alek piped up. "You know, now that I think about it, I may have heard Amelia Bones. Name-wise, at least. Was she former British military?"
Draco shrugged. "Not much is known about her young adult years because she kind of disappeared under the radar for a while, despite being from a prominent family. She started working in the Ministry around the time Susan was born. Madam Bones is the elder sister of Susan's father. Susan's parents perished in the fight against You-Know-Who. For the record, none of the dark or neutral families sides with him. He stole a lot of family gold from his former classmates, so most people aren't happy with him."
"Oh," answered Alek. They relapsed again into a pleasant silence.
Line Break
Alek looked around him. The castle was exquisite, he'll say that. But in comparison to to other places he's been, it isn't much. The enchanted ceiling was a nice touch, but it didn't give off the mystique the Sistine Chapel's did. He watched as the other children were sorted. His surname started with an R, so he was likely part of the last handful. Minerva McGonagall announced, "Romanoff, Aleksei!"
Whispers were said around the hall at Alek's unusual name. It was obviously Russian, and many Hogwarts students wondered why he didn't attend Durmstrang or schools closer to Russia. As Alek walked up to the High Table, Headmaster Dumbledore narrowed his eyes. What was a Russian boy like him doing at his school? He could tell he and the boy would not get along.
Alek sat on the stool as Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat over his head. The hat whispered, "My, my, not scared of many things are you? You would do well in Gryffindor. Your intelligence is also remarkable, Ravenclaw would also be a good choice. Hufflepuff, you certainly have loyalty to your family and friends and work hard too. Maybe, maybe. You'd also fit in Slytherin. I see your mother and father figures are both quite cunning as well. You'd fit in any of the houses."
"Mr. Sorting Hat, if I am cunning, wouldn't I have to have intelligence? And I am not brash like Gryffindors either. That rules out Ravenclaw and Gryffindor. From what I hear, Slytherin is the house of the cunning, but not that many people actually use it at all. I have real cunning. So I should think Hufflepuff would be the best fit," Alek reasoned.
The Sorting Hat grinned. "Very well thought, Mr. Romanoff. And polite too. You have embodied Slytherin traits with your cunning, Ravenclaw traits with your logic, and Gryffindor traits with your courage to speak up. Hufflepuff is perfect, not only to cultivate the house traits in you, but also lets others know not all Hufflepuffs are pushovers. Back in about a century, they were some of the toughest wizards and witches. A word of advice, students are not required to sit at house tables unless during the Feasts. There's about three of those per year. Need help, ask Professor McGonagall. The headmaster is a manipulative cow, Snape is biased and roots for Dumbledore. McGonagall may seem to be on his side, but she's really the best kind of Slytherin. Let it be...HUFFLEPUFF!" The last part was said aloud. Alek walked towards the yellow and black banner, as most first years sorted into his house were seated there. He caught his new friend Daphne's eyes, and gave her a smile. He got a smile in return.
The Hufflepuff dorms were very nice, not like the normal dormitories one would usually see. Alek had in his own room in a dorm that he shared with three other guys. There was one shower in each dorm, as well as a bathroom. The cool thing was, he technically had his own room within the dorm. The other houses tended to not get such privileges.
Line Break
Alek woke up at the crack of dawn. He quickly used the bathroom and got ready. He got a overview of his textbooks while waiting for breakfast time. Because he had his own room, he could do almost anything in it as long as he learned certain spells, like silencing spells.
When seven rolled around, he went upstairs for breakfast. Not many people were awake yet, as class started at eight thirty. He saw his new friends sitting alone at the Slytherin table, and remembered the Hat's advice. He went over to sit with them. "Morning, Draco, Greg, Vince, Tracey, and Daphne."
He got five smiles and hellos back. Draco leaned in. "So, first day, are you rebelling already, Alek?"
"No. Apparently, seating isn't mandatory. I'll be done soon before the crowd comes anyways," laughed Alek.
Tracey said, "I like you today."
Daphne bumped her shoulder against her best friend's. "So Alek, nervous today?"
"Nope," Alek pretended to think, causing laughter.
"Oi! Romanoff! How was your first day? Bet you already miss your mummy!" Jamie Potter laughed mockingly. The redhead, Ronald Weasley by Alek's guess, also fell into uproarious laughter. Alek ignored them, his mom Natasha, taught him to not pay obvious attention to those who were unimportant. As he continued down the hallway, he bumped into two third-years. The Weasley twins.
Weasley twin #1 grinned. "Hey lookie, Forge, it's the new kid. The Russian one."
"Oh yes. So Russian kid, whatcha doin'," Forge continued.
Alek interrupted with a quiet firmness. "Excuse me, I have to get to class."
The twins let him pass, but were left with scratching their heads in confusion. Then they saw their younger brother and realized the redhead must have said something to make Alek angry.
Line Break
Alek was walking to the Great Hall for dinner when he met Potter and the youngest Weasley in the hall.
Potter shouted with a dark gleam in his eyes, "Hey! Romanoff! Stop walking, can't you see I'm talking to you!"
Alek stopped walking. He just wanted to get this over with so he could eat his dinner. He was hungry after attending classes the entire afternoon and studying whenever there was free time. "Yes?"
"With manners bad as his, I wonder if his mummy is a nobody. No, she must be a slut. No man would have such a stupid child like him," Weasley mocked, Potter adding more insults to his mother.
Alek stood his ground. He knew his mother would be upset if he decked Weasley and Potter. No, she would be upset if he was caught doing it. He retorted, "Weasley, with brains like yours, your mother must be a Botox bimbo. And Potter, your mummy must be a plastic Barbie to give birth to such a horrendous son."
Potter and Weasley came running at him, fists clenched and swinging wide. However, their aims were a bit off, so they missed when they tried to punch him. When they tried again, Alek rolled up his sleeve and punched Potter first, then Weasley. Both of their noses started bleeding profusely. A prefect from Ravenclaw was trying to enter the Hall when he spotted the three boys.
Anthony Goldstein cried, "You three are going with me to the Hospital Wing. On the way, one of you will explain exactly what happened."
"It was his fault! All his fault! He hit us like stupid Muggles!" whined Potter and Weasley. Alek kept his mouth shut. Goldstein had to admire his composure. At eleven, he probably would be whining as well.
When they arrived, Madam Pomfrey ushered the first years in. "Mr. Goldstein, kindly inform Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout of this situation. Tell them to come here. They should be seated in the Great Hall."
Goldstein left the Wing at a hurried pace, trying to complete his instructions as fast as possible. When he entered the Hall, most of the students were already eating. He speed-walked to the High Table. "Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout, there's been an altercation between three of your first years. Madam Pomfrey sent me to inform you."
The two professors got up, and followed Goldstein to the infirmary. They were greeted with quite a sight. Pomfrey was busy feeding Weasley and Potter a wide array of potions. Alek just sat quietly on the edge of one of the hospital beds, staring at a wall.
Professor McGonagall walked forward briskly. "Mr. Romanoff, as you seem to be relatively unharmed, let's start with you first. What happened?" Behind her, Sprout gave him an encouraging smile.
Alek talked so softly, the professors almost missed his statement. "I was walking towards the entrance of the Hall for dinner when Potter and Weasley came. They started trash talking me, so I ignored them. Then suddenly, they weren't just talking about me anymore. They insulted my mother." He glared at the teachers fiercely. "No one insults my mom. So I insulted them back, though I don't think they actually understood it. They tried to punch me, but had bad aim, so they missed my face by about a feet. I punched them back, because NO ONE insults my mom and gets away with it."
"Thank you for being letting us know your side of the story," Professor Sprout said, knowing that he was telling the truth.
Professor McGonagall turned to her Lions. "It's your turns, Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley. What happened?"
"It was all Romanoff's fault! All his fault Professor!" Potter cried. "He insulted mine and Ron's mums! Then he broke our noses, with his fists no less!" Weasley was right behind him, blaming Alek for the entire situation.
Professor McGonagall straightened up. "I think all of your parents should be informed. Go to the Great Hall and grab something to eat. I want to see all three of you in front of the Headmaster's office before dinner ends."
Alek got off his bed, and made his way out the door. Instead of walking towards the Great Hall, he headed directly for the headmaster's office. The only good thing about this situation was he would get to see his mom sooner than expected. And if he was lucky, the team would be there as well.
Line Break
Weasley and Potter were still stuffing their faces with food as they walked into the hallway where Alek had stood for the last half an hour. Professors Sprout and McGonagall followed the two boys. McGonagall spoke the password, "Hershey Bars."
When the two teachers and three students entered, Dumbledore was already seated at his desk. He smiled jovially, "Minerva, Pomona, what are the two of you doing here this fine evening? I also noticed you both missed dinner."
"Oh, well you see there was a serious altercation between these students earlier. Professor McGonagall and I believe you need to meet with their parents. We've already called them and they're on their way," Sprout explained.
Right then, the fireplace in the office burst into green flames. Out stepped Lord James Potter and his wife, Lily Potter. Complete in their finery, their expressions looked intimidating. But when their eyes meant their son's, the raging fire in their eyes turned to gentle and warm sparks.
James Potter walked forward. "We were told by Professor McGonagall to be here because of an altercation Jamie was in. What happened?"
"We will get to that after all the parents arrive," stated Professor Sprout calmly. The Potters looked at her with derision. They didn't like Hufflepuffs because they thought they were cowards and pushovers. Another moment passed, then the fireplace burst once again into a raging green inferno. Arthur and Molly Weasley had arrived.
Now, they were just waiting for Alek's parents. Alek hoped everything had gone smoothly. Then he heard the gargoyles outside open up. Professor Flitwick came in, followed by nine other strangers.
Alek smirked, "Mom, you guys made it."
Professor McGonagall opened her mouth before anyone else could say anything. "Now that everyone is present, let's begin. From both students' testimonies and the ones I got from the hallway portraits, I have gathered how this altercation began. It seems that Mr. Romanoff was making his way to the Great Hall for dinner, when Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley happened upon him. They started trading insults, which led to Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley first insulting Mr. Romanoff's mother, to Mr. Romanoff insulting Mr. Potter's and Mr. Weasley's mothers. Thus, Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley tried to punch Mr. Romanoff. When they were unsuccessful, Mr. Romanoff punched both in the nose. Any questions?"
"Yeah. Under what circumstance is he allowed to touch my son at all, more or less insult my wife? I think Mr. Romanoff should be the one given punishment, with Jamie and Ron scot-free," James Potter retorted.
One of the strangers, a drop-dead gorgeous redhead wearing a grey blazer, green blouse, and dark jeans stepped out of her little group. She spoke with a heavy Russian-American accent. "Potter and Weasley should be punished. They both started it. My son did it for self-defense."
Molly Weasley slapped her. "Who are you calling troublemaker?! HUH?!"
A man with a large build with shoulder-length hair shuffled his way in front of Alek's mom. He growled with a heavy American accent, "Don't you dare hit her."
"Who are you? Who are all of you? Everyone the brat's mother slept with? I bet she doesn't even know who's the father," Lily retaliated.
Alek's mother put her hand on the large man's shoulder. "It's fine Bucky. Let's introduce ourselves first. I'm Natasha, Aleksei's mom. This is Bucky, Steve, Bruce, Thor, Tony, Clint, Loki, and Wanda. We already know who you are, of course."
Dumbledore raised his hand. "So the punishment will be Mr. Romanoff gets a year of detention with Mr. Filch. Jamie and Mr. Weasley are free. That's the final verdict."
"I don't think so. If you aren't going to be impartial here, then I will pull Aleksei out of Hogwarts. We are paying his tuition by the year, so it won't be a heavy loss. He could have gone to any school he wanted and still can, but he chose here," Natasha's carefree expression turned expressionless.
Arthur leaned forward. "Can you really do that? Not that I doubt your ability but like is transferring really possible?"
"Of course it is," laughed Tony. "You mean you've never heard of the concept? Weird."
James Potter frowned. "The Potters are the most powerful and ancient family here. You will do as we say."
"You might have the most powerful and ancient bloodline here, but I have the most powerful and the most ancient bloodline in existence. It reaches far back than you could ever think of," smirked Natasha.
Molly's face turned red. "Are you calling him a liar? Didn't your parents ever taught you any manners?!"
"Didn't say he's a liar. I just said he was most powerful in Great Britain, granted it isn't much. And, did my parents ever teach me manners? How would I know, they're dead. Manners don't matter much in my world," Natasha wore a smug smile.
Lily Potter's face turned the shade of Molly Weasley's hair. Then she punched Natasha's nose.
The Avengers quickly surrounded Nat. Jamie cheered, "Go Mummy! You show her who's boss!"
Tony's face turned dark. "That's it. Alek, I don't think you'll be attending this stupid school any longer. And I'm quite sure you'll agree with me."
"Yeah. Just let me tell my friends and get my stuff. It won't take long," Alek started for the door.
Natasha's expression froze on her face, then she plastered a fake smile on. She didn't seem to be the least fazed. "Hold on, I think I can demand a refund or transfer of money if my son's no longer attending Pig Disease. Wouldn't you agree, Headmaster? And Steve, could you please open the doors? I think the other professors are getting tired of being locked out."
Steve obediently went about his task. Professors Hagrid, Snape, Trelawney, Moody, Sinistra, and Vector trickled in with Madam Pomfrey. A vein on Dumbledore's head started pulsing erratically, faster and faster as each person entered.
"So what's the verdict, Headmaster?" smirked Natasha.
Dumbledore sat back in his chair. "The verdict is still the same. Jamie and Mr. Weasley are free to go, Mr. Romanoff must submit to punishment for his offense."
"Now wait just a minute, Albus, have you gone senile?!" Professor McGonagall raised her voice. "At first, I thought you were joking! But I can see now that you aren't!"
Dumbledore tried placating her. "Now, now Minerva, Mr. Romanoff is clearly in the wrong, isn't that right Ms. Romanoff?"
"You must think I have bad hearing or memory loss!" Minerva shouted. "I have neither! This time your schemes have gone too far, always favoring the Potters! If you make this decision, I'll resign!"
Dumbledore sat up. "I cannot change my decision. If you wish resign, then you may."
"I'm resigning as well," Madam Pomfrey suddenly announced. "Here."
Pomfrey and McGonagall thrusted two matching envelopes onto Dumbledore's shiny desk.
Dumbledore stood up. "Poppy, this is ridiculous, why would-"
"I think you're forgetting how it goes. Remember, you got me as Medi-witch only because of Minerva. We're a packaged deal. You fire her, you fire me too. She quits, I quit," Poppy's eyes glared at her former boss. "Besides, we both have been getting multiple offers since we have begun our tenure here, and those offers are still coming in. I happen to think New York is quite lovely this time of year, and I'm sure Xavier will be happy to have us."
Alek raced into the room, his friends catching up behind him. "Mom, I'm back! And we live in New York too!"
"Hello, I'm Alek's mom. You are?" Natasha greeted kindly.
Daphne spoke up. "I'm Daphne Greengrass, this is Draco Malfoy, Tracey Davis, Vincent Crabbe, and Gregory Goyle. We met Alek on the train, and he kindly shared his compartment with us."