Chapter Five: June 15, 1943 – November 9, 1943
So, I've finally been drafted into the army. I start basic in the morning.
Steve! That's great. I know you've wanted to join since I mentioned the damn war to you. To be honest though, I'm surprised they took you. I know that asthma is a disqualifier, never mind your heart issues. You didn't lie about that did you?
No, I didn't lie about that.
What did you lie about then?
Caught that did you. I may have filled out multiple forms and said I lived in other cities.
You do know what would happen if they caught you?
Well…they kind of already did. But the person doing my exam didn't seem to mind. I think he actually liked that I had been trying so hard.
Just, promise me you'll be a safe as you can. I love you and would very much like it if you didn't die on me.
I'll do my best. I love you too and I don't want to die, but you're the one being sent from country to country to fight in all those mini wars, so out of the two of us I'd say you're in the greater amount of danger.
I know. I do try to make sure to be careful and wear all the protective charms and equipment I'm given for each mission.
Thank you. I need you safe when this war is all over.
Sitting on his bunk in his barrack Steve watched the others run around and ruff-housing while he unpacked the strategy books Harry had given him. He knew they would be helpful eventually. Remembering Harry's stories from his time in auror training Steve decided it would be best to head to bed and get as much sleep as possible.
The next morning Steve was up bright and early ready to go. After dressing in his PT gear, as they had been ordered to the night before, he left the barracks and headed to where Sergeant Duffy ordered them to stand in line and wait. He was sure that he would be ready for bed within the next couple of hours.
You were right basic training is hell on earth. There is one guy, Hodge, who is bent on making my time here even worse. First thing this guy does is insult one of our commanding officers. I do like Agent Carter; she doesn't take any shit from anyone. Punched Hodge in the face not even five minutes into our orientation, knocked him flat on his ass.
That sounds hilarious. I wish I could have seen that. This Carter sounds like someone you don't want to fuck with. I remember basic with a fond hatred. Though I'm not sure which was worse, auror training through MACUSA or the ICW. What else is going on with you?
I am getting really sick of the looks, especially from Colonel Philips, he looks like someone skimped on the meat in his sandwich whenever he looks at me. I got stuck trying to climb the rope ladder, ended up hanging upside down. Then Hodge knocked out a post when we were crawling under barbed wire, got stuck in that too.
Hodge is a bully. You and I both know how people like that are. Just focus on your own training.
I know. I don't really care what he does I will finish basic and be shipped overseas.
I know you will, you are too damn stubborn to give up. You'll make it through no matter what they put you through. Just let me know if you need anything and I'll find a way to send it to you.
The books you gave me are helping a lot. I did finish Heroes of the Western Front and have started the Machines of War. The other's just stare at me when I read them. I'm sure they are thinking I'm trying too hard and will be kicked out any time now. I'll let you know if I need anything else.
Today on our daily run I finally got one over on the others. We stopped at the half-way point and I honestly thought I was having another heart attack. Sergeant Duffy told us that whoever brought him the flag could have a ride back to base with Agent Carter in the Jeep. Well Merlin be damned if I wasn't getting that flag. The other guys all jumped up and tried to climb the pole while the sergeant was yelling that the flag hasn't been gotten in 17 years. Well. When the idiots were all done trying, I went over, pulled the pin on the pole and watched it fall with no small amount of glee. You should have seen the look on Duffy's face when I handed him the flag. Agent Carter just smirked; I think she found it funny that I was the one to get the flag.
Oh Merlin! I would have loved to see that. Serves them all right. I'm being shipped back to Headquarters now that the coup is finished. I have to say Argentina is quite nice, even with dark wizards out to kill you.
Philips is an asshole. Decided to test us all today during physical. I'm trying to do jumping jacks, and those are just evil, when he tosses a grenade at us.
NO! Steve! Tell me you didn't. Please tell me you didn't jump on that grenade.
Technically I slide onto the grenade, which was a dud. Shut Philips up though. That was fun. Oh, and it turns out I get a day's leave on the 19th. I was hoping you might be able to get away and meet me for a movie and dinner. We can rent a room on the Way if you want. I don't have to be back on base till 1500 on the 20th.
Steve felt bad for not telling Harry the truth about his enlistment, but he was sure his boyfriend would freak if he found out Steve was signing up to be a science experiment. Not even telling him Dr. Erskine was a squib and chose Steve for his magic would keep Harry from worrying.
I don't care what it takes I will get those days off. Merlin, I miss you so much. It feels like it's been forever since we've last seen each other. I need to make sure you are alright.
Harry stood outside Gringotts watching the people pass, feeling excited and nervous. It had been almost two years since he had last seen Steve. They had seen a ball game at Ebbets field, Harry's first. Both Steve and Bucky were obsessed with baseball and would listen to the games over the radio every night during the season. So, Harry got an idea to buy Steve and Bucky tickets to a Brooklyn Dodgers game for their birthdays. He had decided on a game in May 1941, half-way between each of their birthdays. Unfortunately, days before the game Bucky's Ma had gotten sick so he told Harry to go in his place. Thankfully Harry had been home on leave for the month. He hadn't been able to get leave since.
"Harry!" Steve called out as he raced up the bank's steps.
"Steve!" Harry launched himself at his boyfriend glad that they had decided to meet up at the Way. He wasn't sure he could have kept himself from hugging the other man if they had been in the No-Maj world. Wrapping his arms around the now larger man, Steve kissed him hard. It had been far too long since Harry had shipped off.
Harry pulled away reluctantly when the need to breath became too much. "Merlin I've missed you." Leaning forward Harry rested his head on Steve's chest.
"I've missed you too Mo grá. It's been far too long since I've had you in my arms."
Laughing Harry pulled away while still having his arms around Steve. "I hope you don't think I'm easy Mr. Rogers. I fully expect to be wined and dined before I let you anywhere near my pants."
Stepping out of Harry's hold Steve wrapped one arm around the other's shoulders laughing. "I wouldn't expect any less of you Mr. Potter. That's why I have booked us reservations for dinner tonight, and I'm not telling you where. It's a surprise. In the meantime, I thought we could stop at the café you like for tea and some breakfast, then do some window shopping and have lunch then meeting up at the theater afterwards for a movie before dinner. How does that sound to you?"
"That sounds wonderful." Harry pressed himself against Steve's side and allowed the blond to guide them to his favorite café. He was bound and determined to enjoy today no matter what after all he wasn't sure when he would see his boyfriend again.
They spent the morning wondering the Way, holding hands and leaning into one another. Each soaking up the other's presence. After lunch the two men slowly headed to the entrance to the No-Maj world. Pulling apart from each other they walked a few blocks together talking about nothing at all before separating and heading to the theater.
Harry got to the theater first and bought his ticket, then headed to the concession stand. He was truly thankful that he had decided to wear his military uniform, he did not want the negative attention that other men were getting for not being in uniform.
"Harry? Is that you?" Steve had arrived shortly afterwards and bought his own ticket.
"Steve? I haven't seen you in ages! What are you doing here?"
"I'm off on leave so I thought I'd come see a movie. You on leave as well?"
"Yeah. My last day. I gotta be back on base tomorrow. What movie are you seeing?"
"Bambi. I've always admired Mr. Disney's work."
Laughing Harry turned to the concession worker and ordered popcorn and soda for them both. "You know after the war you should head out to California and apply. You're a good enough artist you could be an animator. As it turns out I'm seeing Bambi too. Why don't we sit together and catch up afterwards?"
Following Harry into the theater Steve tried hard to keep his eyes off his boyfriend's ass. It was difficult, but he forced his eyes to stay above Harry's waist. Thankfully the theater was mostly empty this time of day and Harry selected two seats at the back. Sitting down beside the wizard Steve forced himself to wait and keep his hands to himself until the lights went out and he was sure no one was near or paying them attention. Only when he was sure they were safe from prying eyes did Steve slip his hand onto Harry's thigh.
After the movie the pair walked side by side down the streets talking about their experiences in basic and of old times. Once they reached the safety of the Way Steve quickly pulled Harry in close. "Come on, let's go check into the hotel then we can go for dinner." With his hand on the small of Harry's back Steve guided him to Heilig Hotel and checked them in. It took him a minute, but Steve convinced Harry to wait for him in the lobby while he raced up to the room.
Harry laughed silently as he watched Steve rush up to their room. He was sure that Steve had something big planned for tonight, and to be honest so did he. It could all wait though, he wanted to enjoy the time he had with Steve. Settling himself down in one of the chairs by the fireplace Harry waited for his wayward boyfriend to return from no doubt setting up a romantic setting in their hotel room.
Ten minutes later Steve returned with a huge smile on his face. "We're all set up and with time to spare. Our reservations are for seven, so we have time to wander if you want." Holding out his hand Steve helped Harry up and guided him out of the hotel. Smiling, Harry let Steve guide him down the Way listening to Steve talk about Peggy Carter.
"You know, if I didn't know any better, I would think you had a crush on this Peggy." Harry gently shoved Steve.
Stopping Steve pulled Harry around. "I don't feel anything for Peggy. She's a good friend, nothing more. You are the only one for me."
"Steve, Steve honey," Harry reached over to cup his boyfriends face. "It was a joke. I know that you would never go with anyone else. Now, don't we have dinner reservations?"
"That we do. Come, I have great plans to wine and dine you properly." Liking their arms together Steve guided Harry to the Golden Pegasus.
"Wait! Steve, we can't afford this." Harry pulled them to a stop looking between Steve and the restaurant.
"Yes, we can. I have some savings from working before and some pay from the army. I also contacted Granddad and talked with him. So, a part of tonight is on him." Gesturing with his arm Steve led Harry into the restaurant. Dinner and desert went by surprisingly quickly, despite Harry's watch saying that over an hour and a half had passed. Arm in arm they strolled down the Way, neither one in a hurry to get back to their hotel.
When they did reach the hotel, Steve led Harry up to their room in silence, his arm wrapped securely around Harry's waist. Opening their room door activated the spell Steve requested. Instead of turning on the lights, the spell lit the candles he had placed all around the room. Looking around Harry chuckled lightly. Steve really had gone all out, there were even rose petals strewn about. Though thankfully they were on the couch and not the bed.
"This looks amazing Steve." Harry smiled. The room was everything a person could want for that special night. Turning around to give his boyfriend a thank you kiss Harry was shocked to find Steve down on one knee, a small box in one hand. Gasping Harry covered his mouth, "oh Steve."
"Hadrian Jameson Potter, I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, build a home with you, raise children with you and grow old with you." Steve opened the box to reveal a beautiful Viking style bracelet. The band was a pair of silver cords twisted together with a pair of wolf heads on either end. "Will you marry me?"
Harry had always heard how women were rendered speechless when proposed to and he had never believed it, until now. He could feel tears build up in his eyes as he nodded and held out his left hand. "Yes! Of course, I will marry you Steve."
Beaming at his now fiancé, Steve slid the bracelet onto Harry's wrist, stood and brought Harry into a deep soul searing kiss. "Merlin, I love you. I understand that the war is about to pick up, and we both are going to be pulled apart in this. After the war I am going to marry you, but right now. Right now, I am going to throw you onto that bed, rip off your cloths and have my very wicked way with you." Not wasting another second Steve did just that.
The next morning Harry woke feeling complete and more than a little sore. Stretching slowly in order to not pull the wrong muscles Harry rolled over to look at Steve. Feeling the bracelet rub against his wrist Harry broke out into a huge smile. Holding up his wrist Harry took a few moments to examine his engagement bracelet. Reaching up with his other hand he ran his fingers over the bands, turning the bracelet this way and that, looking it at different angles.
Beside him Steve was slowly waking. Turning his head, he smiled fully enjoying watching Harry look over his bracelet. Steve could feel a rush of pride at the thought of Harry wearing his bracelet, that Harry would one day be his. Rolling over Steve wrapped his arms around Harry and pulled him close. "Good morning." Steve whispered in Harry's ear then began peppering Harry's neck with kisses.
"Mm Morning. You know I meant to ask you last night. Where did you learn about all those things you did?"
Steve smiled into Harry's neck. "I may have owl ordered a few books when you were at school and read them multiple times."
Harry laughed as Steve went back to kissing his neck. "Before you go any further, I have something for you. I meant to give it to you last night, but you distracted me." Not bothering to try and get out of Steve's hold on him Harry summoned a box from his pants and held it out to Steve.
Reluctantly Steve let go of Harry and took the box. It was smaller than the box he had the bracelet in, and he could feel the magic seeping out. Curious now he sat up, leaning against the headboard, pleased when Harry followed resting his head against Steve's chest. Opening the box Steve froze. "Harry, this is amazing." Reaching down Steve pulled out the silver necklace. The pendant was a Celtic shield knot with a Norse Celtic eagle flying across it.
"I'm glad you like it. I've been working on it for about a year now. I've woven protection spells into the knot to protect you when you finally make it to the front lines. I know that you will make to the front lines, no matter what you have to do to get there." Reaching out Harry took the necklace from Steve, opened the clasp and placed it around Steve's neck. "Promise you'll keep it on."
Steve leaned down and kissed Harry. "Promise."
Okay, you're not going to like this, and I don't want to tell you everything through the book. I did something really stupid or smart, depends on how you look at it.
Steve…what did you do?
I found a way to fix all my issues. Its like I have a brand-new body. Only problem is that Philips is pissed, and I've been reassigned. Instead of going overseas and fighting I'm staying in the states and going across country on a war-bond selling tour. Senator Brant assures me that it's vital to the war effort. I'm not sure what they want me to do, but at least it's something.
Steve. None of this is making me feel better. Okay that's a bit of a lie. I do like that you're not going to fight. I know, I know I'm a hypocrite. I just, I don't know. I know you can handle yourself but come on. You nearly died from us snogging.
Thank you for bringing that up again. Its not a problem anymore. I told you I'm all fixed up. I even have access to my magic. I've been practising whenever I'm alone. I can perform spells that even granddad thought would be impossible for me.
That's amazing Steve. Let me know if there is anything you need. I'll send you some books and maybe even a Mandrake leaf. Perhaps if your magic is as strong as your suggesting and if you have the time you can become an animagus as well.
So, it turns out this tour thing is almost as bad as basic. I've been given the stage name of Captain America and I'm stuck wearing a flag as a costume. There also three dozen dancing girls prancing around stage with me. On top of that after the performances I'm stuck doing publicity stunts. If one more woman thrusts their baby at me, I swear I might just drop it.
You can stop laughing now you Imp.
I'm sorry Steve, but you have to admit that's funny, but it also sucks. I know what its like having everyone stare at you all the time. Though I'm glad to say I've never had a baby thrust at me. I can see the look on your face, trying to smile and look all friendly while inside wanting to be as far away from them as possible.
If that's not bad enough, these girls keep flirting with me. I tell them that I'm engaged but it doesn't seem to matter with some of them. They all seem to think I'm either lying or that I need practise. Even if I wasn't with you or gay, I don't think I would sleep with them. It's getting really tiring pretending to be interested in women.
That's good. I think I would have to come and find you to maim them if they tried something with you. Perhaps I should send you a photo of the two of us. I could charm one picture to make me appear as a girl and make sure it doesn't move.
Well, I suppose that could work. It could be interesting seeing you as a girl.
Get those filthy thoughts out of your mind Steven Rogers. I am not dressing up as a girl for you, you filthy pervert.
But…
NO!
Now on top of all the shows around the country they also want me to star in movies. I'm being sent to Hollywood!
I'm not sure whether I hate you or feel sorry for you.
It turns out making movies isn't all that fun. It takes ages and I've been spending hours just running across a small stage with six other guys only to be told to do it again.
I need to find these movies. This is my new mission in life
Please don't.
They're sending me overseas as part of the USO tour. First stop is in Italy. Not quite the way I thought I would get to Europe, but it's something, I guess.
It's a start. I can tell you that having some form of entertainment means a lot to the soldiers. At least there won't be anyone pushing babies at you.
There are times I really hate you.
No, you don't, you love me. I'm too adorable for you to resist.
Well it turns out that having people shove babies at me it much better than what happened with the show today. I didn't even get to start the show before I was booed, mooned and had things thrown at me until I left the stage.
You know for the longest time I've dreamed about coming overseas and being on the front lines, serving my country…finally got everything I've wanted…and I'm wearing tights.
I bet your arse looks amazing in those tights.
Steve laughed. He was sure Harry was right, and his fiancé didn't yet know about his new body. He couldn't wait to see Harry again and show him this new body.
Steve, I know it's hard, but it will get better.
Harry, I know your busy and probably won't get this message until much later, but I had to write to you before I go. I'm doing something stupid again, I'm sorry. I've found out that Bucky is probably dead (Merlin I hope not) while hundreds of others are being held captive behind enemy lines, and there is no plan to rescue them beyond winning the war. I can't make them wait another two years before being free, I don't know how many will still be alive then.
I'm going to get them. Agent Carter has arranged for Howard Stark to fly me over. I don't think it's going to get me very far, but it will still get me closer much faster than I can run there. You can yell at me when I get back, because I will be back. I promised you I would never leave, and I refuse to break that promise to you. I just wanted you to know in case it's a few days before I can write again. I love you.
Harry stared at the message Steve left him in the journal seething with anger. He didn't want to write back just yet. Even though he knew Steve would understand where the angry words were coming from, he still didn't want to write them down. Throwing the journal down on his bed as hard as he could Harry stormed out of his room, he needed a drink.
"Potter!"
Turning Harry came to attention when he saw who it was. "General Grant. What can I do for you sir?"
"Follow me." Theodore Grant turned and guided Harry to the meeting room. He had been asked his opinion of the candidates and even with his bias everyone agreed that his grandson would be the best for this mission. "You've got another mission and it's a big one. I can't tell you more here, but I know that you are the best choice we have."
"Thank you. When did you start working with the ICW?"
"After President Adams called me in and forced me to take up my stars again, he decided I would be best to work with the ICW. They were asking for an American general to join their war council and Smith knows that all our current generals are bunch of political idiots. So here I am, and here we are." Opening the door Theodore ushered Harry into the meeting room.
"Welcome Major Potter. You have been chosen for a special task. Your track record speaks volumes and we believe that you are more than capable of succeeding, regardless of America's ridiculous laws against interactions with the non-magical people. The tesseract is one of Odin's treasures left behind by the Asgardians for us to watch over. It has been found by a man named Johann Schmidt, the head of Hitler's HYDRA division. We cannot allow this. We are sending you to England where you will join with the Strategic Scientific Reserve and work with them to retrieve the tesseract. We do not mind it being in the hands of the non-magicals, but it cannot remain in the hands of HYDRA. Permission has been granted for you to share our secret with the team you will be working with, though they will have to sign a secrecy contract. Any questions?"
"When do I leave and where will I be meeting them?" Inwardly Harry was cursing. He was supposed to be going on leave the next day and was planning to go and see Steve's show.
"You will be meeting them a week from now on the eighth. I understand that you have a scheduled leave, however this takes precedence. You will be met outside the Leaky Cauldron by one of our squib agents currently working for the SSR. They will take you to the SSR's headquarters where you will meet Colonel Philips. He will be your commanding officer for the length of this mission. Take all your belongings with you, we don't know how long this will take and you will remain until the Tesseract is in allied hands or at the bottom of the ocean. Dismissed."
Saluting the generals Harry left the war room and headed back to his room, he had packing to do.
A week later saw Harry outside the Leaky Caldron waiting for his contact. He couldn't believe that he was in England again. He had purposely avoided coming back to England in his time with the ICW. Somehow in the last eight years New York had become his home and he could honestly not see himself moving back to England.
"Major Potter?"
Harry turned around at the voice. "Yes. I assume that you are my contact with the SSR?"
"Agent Marius Hill at your service. If you would follow me to the car, I'll take you to HQ. Colonel Philips is expecting you. I will warn you though he is not happy with you being assigned to his task force." Nodding, Harry followed the agent to a non-descript black car. When they both were in the car Hill began driving. Thankfully neither man was feeling overly chatty, so the ride was silent until they pulled up in front of a second-hand bookstore. "Follow me."
Getting out of the car Harry followed the agent into a back room of the store where a secret door was hidden behind a set of bookshelves. Through the door was your typical military base. People were moving about quickly and with purpose, basically ignoring Harry and agent Hill. Staying close to the agent Harry followed him through the twists and turns of the base until they reached a set of double doors. Standing in front of the doors was an older gentleman who seemed to have mastered resting bitch face.
"Colonel Philips, this is Major Potter. He's the special agent sent from the higher ups."
"Thank you, Hill. That will be all." Saluting the Colonel Hill turned and disappeared into the crowd of people. "Major Potter. I'm not sure who thought we needed you, but the Generals seem to think we do. I have gathered the team you will be working with."
"Thank you, Colonel. I understand that the higher ups haven't given you a choice with my appointment, but I assure you I will be of help with this mission."
"We shall see about that Potter." Turning around Philips opened one of the doors and entered a conference room, leaving Harry to follow behind. "Make sure you close the door Potter. Even among a top-secret agency we still have need of secrecy."
Closing the door behind him Harry took in the room. it was much larger than he expected for such a small meeting, clearly it was meant to house a much larger group. The celling was a series of arches, clearly holding up the buildings above. One wall was covered in bookcases and filing cabinets while the one across was covered in maps. The wall directly across from the doors was covered by one large map of Europe. While there were a few small desks scattered around the edges the middle of the room was filled by one large map covered table. Two tables had been moved together and had seating for ten.
Sitting around the table were six men while another stood talking with a woman. "Right. This is Major Hadrian Potter who is apparently going to help take down Hydra. Potter, this is the team you will be working with, or at least most of them. Where is Captain Rogers?"
"Still in my lab trying on his uniform. He was having some trouble with it and wanted to work it out by himself. Should be here soon though." The man standing answered. "He said to start without him if that is allowed."
Sighing Colonel Philips nodded. "Fine. Potter this is our science consultant Howard Stark and beside him is Agent Peggy Carter."
Shaking hands with Stark, Harry turned to Carter with a large smile on his face. "Agent Carter that punched out a Hodge back in June?" Harry held out his hand to shake hers.
"I did. How do you know about that?"
"A friend of mine told me about it." It looks like I'll be able to see Steve sooner rather than later. Hang on, didn't Philips ask about a Captain Rogers? Maybe that's Steve! Harry was excited and couldn't wait to see his fiancé.
"A friend? May I ask who?" Peggy was worried. Clearly someone was telling secrets they shouldn't be. Granted her punching out Hodge isn't that important, but who knows what else this friend could have told this Potter.
"Of course, you can ask." Harry flashed her his most charming smile. "I might even tell you…eventually. But first who are the rest of the team?" Peggy glared at the Major and Stark who was laughing.
"Let me introduce you to the rest of the team. I think Peggy and Philips are a little mad at you." Howard was still laughing a little as he gestured to the rest of the team. "This is Sergeant Timothy Dugan, but we all just call him Dum Dum. Next to him is Gabe Jones, then Jim Morita. On the other side is James Falsworth or Monty, he was part of the British Third Independent Parachute Brigade. Then there is Jacques Dernier, a member of the French Resistance our explosive's expert. Last and definitely least is Sergeant James –"
"Bucky?" Harry stared in shock. In Steve's last note he said Bucky was thought to be dead.
"Harry? Holy shit! You're here and you're a Major! Steve's going to lose his shit." Bucky got up and hugged his brother.
"So, Steve is here. That's good. He told me you were dead what the hell happened?" Harry punched Bucky in the arm while glaring at him.
"My entire unit was captured by Hydra back in October." James rubbed his arm. He forgot just how hard his little brother hit. "Problem was they were holding us behind the lines, and it was too dangerous to send a rescue mission. They didn't know how many of us were captured and it was assumed we were dead."
Harry nodded. "Steve found out and decided to play hero. Sounds right. Remind me I owe him a punch too."
"You haven't seen Steve, recently have you?" Bucky laughed, knowing the answer. He couldn't wait to see Harry's reaction to Steve's transformation.
"No, I haven't seen him since mid June. Why?"
"No reason."
"You're such a prat." At the table Falsworth and Carter were laughing. "Finally," Harry smiled gesturing to the other Englishmen. "Someone who understand the English language."
Reaching over Bucky pulled Harry into a head lock. "You are such a brat."
Clearing his throat Philips glared at the pair. "If you are done perhaps, we can continue."
"Of course, Colonel. My apologies." Pushing Bucky off him Harry reached for his briefcase and pulled out nine contracts and blood quills. Handing them to the others Harry leaned against the table. "Unfortunately, I can't tell you anything until you sign these secrecy contracts. You won't need any ink for the quills, just sign quickly and don't mind the sting." Harry watched as each one read over the contract and examined the quill. Bucky barely glance over the contract before signing.
Howard on the other hand was going over the contract with a fine-tooth comb. "What happens if any of our decedents have a similar problem?"
"Then they would be required to sign that same contract if it is deemed necessary."
"Can the contract be altered? I would prefer if we added an addendum that would include my decedents in it."
Thinking it over Harry pretended to go through his briefcase while writing a note in his communication journal with the ICW. Thankfully they had someone watching it constantly today, knowing that he was contacting the SSR and signing contracts today. Immediately a new contract came through with the new addition. "I think we have one of those already." Harry handed the new contract over. Reading the contract over Howard nodded and signed.
"Do we need to wait for the Captain?" Dum Dum asked as he rubbed his hand. "Or do we get to know why we signed these contracts in blood now.
"No, there is no need to wait for Steve. He already knows." Harry looked over at Bucky and gave his brother a small grin. "Now that you've signed, I won't be breaking the law telling you."
"Tell us what." Philips was getting annoyed. All this secrecy bullshit was getting on his nerves.
Bucky cringed when he saw the evil smirk on Harry's face. He knew that smirk, and it never meant anything good. "The truth Colonel is that," Harry pulled out his wand, summoned all the contracts back to his briefcase and sent the briefcase back to ICW headquarters. "Magic exists. I work for the ICW, which is the International Confederation of Wizards and have also worked for MACUSA, the Magical Congress of the United States of America."
"You're shitting us." Dum Dum looked from Harry to the other's sitting around the table.
"I am not."
"So, you're a what…wizard? I mean I've seen the same show in Vegas." Howard pointed at Harry's wand.
"Exactly. I am a wand waving, potion making, pointy hat wearing, broom riding wizard."
Dum Dum laughed. "Yeah, right. You gonna wave that stick and turn me into a frog?"
"What a wonderful idea." Whispering a spell and waving his wand Harry turned Dum Dum Dugan into a large African bull frog. Everyone else jumped up in shock.
"What the hell?" Falsworth exclaimed.
"I was just doing what he suggested. Perhaps I should undo it after all I don't think any of you are willing to kiss him. Now can all sit and discuss this?" Not waiting for them to answer Harry reversed the spell and sat at the head of the table. "Tea, coffee?" With another wave of his wand Harry summoned a tea and coffee set he saw sitting on one of the smaller desks. After serving everyone Harry took a sip of his tea and let out a small sigh.
"I'm going to apologize in advance. This is the first time I've had to explain this to a no-Maj."
"A what?" Howard was confused and didn't like it.
"No-Maj…no magic…you. I also tend to use the British term which is muggle. It means the same thing. There are pure-bloods, half-bloods like me, the muggle-born and squibs. The muggle-borns are people with magic whose parents have no magic, while the squibs are people with limited to no magic whose parents have magic." Harry shot Bucky a quick glance. "Mum was a squib." Bucky nodded in shocked understanding and Harry continued his explanation. "Not that any of that really matters for this. What matters is that with magic I can help you in your mission to take down Hydra."
"Tu me dis que tu peux exploser avec ce baton," Dernier stated looking disbelieving.
"What did he say?" Jim asked, he thought he knew but wanted to be sure.
"You're telling me you can blow shit up with that stick?" Gabe translated. The other men all perked up. They all liked the idea of being able to blow things up.
"Yes, I can."
"Bullshit." Jim stated.
Thinking back on some of their exploits and pranks they pulled Bucky was sure he had found an explanation for some of Harry's more mysterious actions. "I really think he can," he whispered to Jim.
"If he can I want to see it." Jim whispered back.
"I'm with Jim on this." Dum Dum leaned back in his chair. "There's no way in hell you can blow something up with that little stick of yours."
"I assure you Dugan, not only can I blow something up, I can control a person or even kill them with a single spell."
"That's all well and good, but you still haven't blown anything up." Falsworth slowly sipped on his tea with a smile on his face.
Sharing a smile with his brother Harry shrugged. "Does anyone have something they would like to volunteer to be destroyed?"
Reaching over Dum Dum grabbed Dernier's flask and tossed it at Harry. "Here blow this up."
"Okay." Enlarging the flask Harry levitated it over to an open area behind the table. "Bombarda."
"Hell Yes! That was great! Do it again!"
"I think I'll save any more explosions for Hydra. Reparo." Levitating the now repaired flask back to Dernier Harry settled back into his chair.
"What else can you do?" Howard asked feeling excited. He needed to see what else magic could do so he could harness it into his designs.
"Pretty much anything. Though magic won't help you with any of your experiments. Magic plus technology equals explosion, and not the good kind either. But, as far as impressive magic goes…" focusing on his magic Harry called forth his animagus form. Shaking out his feathers he hopped up onto the back of his chair.
"Harry?" Bucky asked. In response Harry flapped his wings and after a quick circle of the table landed on Bucky's shoulder. Reaching over Harry gently nibbled on Bucky's ear. Not fully believing that the bird on his shoulder was in fact his brother Bucky reached up and gently petted the bird's chest.
"I'm sorry I'm late Colonel. It took me a while to figure out all these straps." Steve entered the meeting room still adjusting his new uniform. Taking in the shocked and amazed looks on his team's faces Steve searched for the cause and froze when he saw what, or rather who was sitting on Bucky's shoulder. "Starfeather?" In a daze Steve took a couple steps closer just to be sure he wasn't seeing things.
Harry couldn't believe what he was seeing. It sounded like Steve and it smelled like Steve, but last time he saw his fiancé the man was much smaller. Not that he was complaining. This new body was very good looking, and he had to admit it would be nice to be smaller than Steve again. Taking flight Harry flew over and landed on Steve's now much larger shoulder. Leaning close Harry gently groomed Steve's hair, just like Hedwig used to do to him. "It is you." Steve whispered as he ran his hand down Starfeather's chest. "We match now." Looking down Harry noticed the large star in the middle of Steve's chest and laughed, as much as a bird can.
Needing to physically talk to the other man Harry flew to the ground and transformed back. "What the hell happened to you?" He demanded.
Grinning cheekily Steve shrugged a shoulder. "I joined the army."
"Joined the army? That's what you're going with. You utter pillock." Flicking his wrist Harry had Steve hanging upside down by his ankle.
"Harry –" Steve tried to explain himself, but Harry silenced him.
"What happened?" Harry asked Bucky.
"I can answer that if you want." Peggy had been watching Steve and Harry closely. She could see there was something going on between the two. Ignoring his fiancé dangling Harry just nodded to Carter, knowing he was too angry to talk. "We had been working with Dr. Erskine for a number of years to develop the super soldier serum."
"Wait, Abraham Erskine, the German scientist?"
"Yes. He had been working for the SSR for the last three years."
"I know. Abraham Erskine is a squib. He came to the ICW in the thirties with an idea about creating a potion that would unlock a squibs magic and increase their physical strength. Unfortunately, a lot of our own…um…scientists I guess, didn't think his idea would work. Mostly because he is a squib, I think. I didn't know he was working with muggles."
"He and Howard worked together to develop the serum over the last couple years. It was Erskine that selected Steve for the project."
"Of course, he did. Erskine would have realized Steve has magic and would be the best to take the serum." Sighing Harry rubbed his face and cancelled the spells on Steve, purposely dropping him on the floor. Bucky and the others laughed at Steve's crumpled form.
"Thanks Harry. Glad you remembered the cushioning charm." Steve grunted as he stood.
"Potter. Make time to talk with Stark about equipment. Rogers take Potter and show him to his quarters. You all have one week to prep then you're being sent out on your first mission. Dismissed." Philips got up and left the conference room. He couldn't believe what had happened, now on top of Hydra and Red Skull he had to deal with wizards. This was going to take some getting used to.
"If you're available later today Potter we can go over uniform ideas and any weapons you might need." Howard stood and gathered up some papers from the large table.
"Call me Harry. And yes, I can come by after lunch if that works."
"Howard then. After lunch works for me. Have Steve or Bucky show you to my lab when your ready. Now, if you don't mind, I need to get back to my lab and start working on your uniform."
"Come on Harry," Steve gestured to the door Howard just left through. "I'll show you to our little corner in this maze." Together the two men left the others behind. It was all Steve could do to keep his hands to himself as they walked through the halls. Thankfully there always seemed to be someone down each hall until they came to a small hallway that ended in a room that reminded Harry of his common room back in school. It had a small collection of chairs with a couple couches sitting around a low table.
There were five doors leading off the common. Steve gestured to the one door by itself. "That's the bathroom. Nothing fancy, just a row of shower stalls, sinks and a couple johns." Pointing to one set of doors he continued. "Bucky and Falsworth share one room, while Dum Dum and Jim share the one across from them and Gabe and Jacques are in the one beside them. I have the room beside Bucky's, so I guess you'll have to share with me." Smiling at his fiancé Steve guided Harry into his room. Not bothering to make sure the door was closed Steve pushed Harry up against the wall and proceeded to kiss him senseless.
Peggy watched the two men leave the conference room together with no small amount of curiosity. She knew there was something between them. Wanting to know what was going on she followed them at a distance. She could see how they gravitated towards each other, only to jump apart the moment another person walked by. When they reached their quarters, Peggy waited behind the corner, listening to Steve talk. Hearing a door open she slowly came around the corner, watching for any movement. Making her way further into the common area Peggy noticed one door partially open. Knowing that it was one of the bedrooms and not the loo she quietly made her way over.
Harry grunted as his back hit the wall, he wanted to tell Steve to wait so he could put up wards but didn't get the chance. Steve's lips were instantly on his stealing his breath. It had been so long since he had felt Steve's hands on his body that he forgot about the importance of putting up wards. Pulling away from Steve's lips when he needed air Harry's neck was then attacked. "Oh Merlin Steve. Fuck!"
Steve sucked another mark into Harry's neck before he pulled away. "That's kind of the point Harry. You don't need to be anywhere until after lunch. That's plenty of time for me to ravish you. It's been far too long since I've had you under me."
Peggy crept closer to the open door determined to find out what was going on. Peering into the room she immediately covered her mouth to muffle her gasp. There in the room Steve had Harry pressed against the wall kissing him. Hearing them talk Peggy couldn't keep herself quiet, especially after Steve's comment about having Harry under him.
Hearing a gasp Steve dropped Harry and quickly moved away. "Peggy! What…what are you doing here?"
Smiling at Steve's discomfort Peggy entered the room, closing the door behind her. "Next time make sure the door is closed before you start attacking the Major."
"You're…not going to report us?" Harry asked as he came to stand next to Steve.
"No. I don't think I am. Though I am going to need an explanation for this." Reaching over she pulled out a chair and sat down. Raising her eyebrow at the men she stared them down when they just continued to stand there.
"Oh, right now. Okay…sure." Pulling Harry with him Steve sat down on the bed. "So, um…"
Laughing Harry patted Steve's thigh. "Don't strain yourself babe. Steve and I met in ninteen-thrity-five when he had Bucky drag my bleeding arse home for his mum to fix up. Sarah took me in after finding out I had no where to go. Steve asked me out about a month later. We've been together since."
Steve wrapped an arm around Harry's shoulders. "I asked Harry to marry me the day before the procedure."
"That's not legal. If you two are found out, you will be killed."
"It's not legal in the muggle world. It's perfectly legal and normal in the magical world, where we will be getting married and may even live after the war."
Sighing Peggy rubbed her leg. "We'll have to find a way to either keep this quiet, I suggest only letting a few people know. For now, I think it best we let everyone believe Steve is interested in someone. The public will be quite upset if Captain America doesn't have a girl."
"That's true. And if people think I'm with someone it will keep the boys from constantly trying to set me up. Who do you suggest?"
"Me. I already know about you two, so I don't expect anything to come of it. Besides that, I have heard rumours that you fancy me, a few of the girls have been asking if you had asked me out yet. This way if you two want some privacy you can let me know and I can disappear for a while, so everyone assumes that Steve and I have wandered off together."
"Are you sure your okay with this?" Steve asked. Peggy was about to answer but noticed that he wasn't looking at her. Steve was staring intently at Harry, clearly needing to be certain that his fiancé was alright with their deception.
"Steve," Harry reached up and took Steve's face in his hands. "I know it's just a ruse to keep them off our scent. I know you have no romantic feelings for Peggy. This is a good idea. We'll figure out a way to let the rest of the team in on our secret but for everyone else this is what they need to believe." Kissing Steve's nose Harry let go of his face and smiled at Peggy. "Thank you. I know you could have turned us in instead of covering for us. I really appreciate it."
"It's alright. A friend of mine in school was like you. I caught him once with his boyfriend, freaked them out as well. I had known him since we were very small, so I knew there was no way he was anything like others said those…types of people were like."
Harry laughed at how awkward Peggy sounded. "Homosexual or if you want where I come from, we're called gay. Not happy gay though."
"What do you mean where you come from? I though you grew up in England before moving to New York?"
"Yes, I did…but, ah fuck it. I'm from the future. I was born in ninteen-eighty and in ninteen-ninty-five I was in a duel with an evil wizard and somehow ended up in New York ninteen-thirty-five. We still don't know how it happened. In the future people who are attracted to the same sex are called gay."
Peggy sat there gaping at the boys like a fish out of water. "Ninteen-ninty-five…the future. What about the war? Do we win?"
"I am speaking English, aren't I?" Harry laughed a little. "I can't give you many details, mostly because I left muggle school when I turned eleven and we hadn't covered much of the war yet. But we do win."
"That's wonderful. We need to find a way to let the men know. I know it will boost moral to just know that we will win in the end." Getting up Peggy quickly headed for the door. "Is it alright if I talk with Howard and the Colonel about this?"
"Yeah of course. Tell them that if they want, I will talk with them more after lunch when I go to see Howard." Without a second though Peggy was gone through the door, racing off to find the Colonel and Howard leaving a laughing Harry and Steve behind.
Leaning over Steve gently pushed Harry down onto the bed. "Now, where were we?"
Waving his wand Harry shut and locked the door before putting up a few wards. "I believe you were about to introduce me to this wonderful new body of yours." Reaching up Harry ran his hands down Steve's muscled chest. He wanted to touch his skin so much and really feel those muscles, but he knew that they didn't have enough time for him to get the damn suit off.
Steve closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling of Harry's hands running over his chest, even through the uniform. When he opened his eyes, everything froze for him. With everything going on and all the time that had passed Steve had forgotten about his vision being fixed, but now he was staring into Harry's eyes. His vibrant Avada green eyes. It was like electricity had shot up through Harry and lit up his gorgeous eyes.
"Steve?" Harry had been enjoying touching Steve's new body but then his fiancé froze. Harry wasn't sure what he had done wrong to make the other man react like that. "Are you okay?"
Hearing Harry calling out to him knocked Steve back into the present. Feeling Harry laying stiffly under him Steve blinked a few times. "You're eyes. I've never seen such a beautiful green before."
Smiling Harry reached up and wrapped his arms around Steve pulling him close. All thoughts of sexy time flew out the window. Instead the two lovers spent the hour reconnecting on a deeper level. Though there was a silent promise of a physical reconnection that night.
Straightening each other out the pair finally left their room and headed for the mess hall. After collecting their food Steve led Harry to the team's table. "Welcome to the Howling Commandos." Steve sat at one of the two empty chairs, leaving Harry to sit between him and Bucky.
"Howling Commandos? Who came up with that name?" Harry asked.
"No idea." Bucky leaned over to steal some of Harry's fries, only to be hit with a fly swatter. "Ow. What the fuck." Looking over he saw Harry holding the swatter in one hand while eating his fries in the other. "Where the hell did that come from?
"I transfigured my spoon the moment I sat down. You always steal our food." The rest of the table was laughing hard enough they had to stop eating for the time. "So, the name?"
"We were assigned it. I don't know who came up with it but I'm sure that Howard had some part in picking it out." Steve chuckled. He was the only one to retain the ability to eat, being used to Harry and Bucky's antics. "Hurry up and eat you two. Harry has to see Howard about equipment and that is going to take long enough without him answering all the questions Howard not doubt has about magic."
Harry groaned at the thought. He barely knew the scientist and he already knew that working with him was going to be an experience in and of itself. Finishing up his lunch Harry sat and enjoyed listening to his new team talk among themselves. Though they had only been together as a team officially for a week, most had known each other from being held by Hydra. When Steve was finished, he took both his and Harry's trays back then motioned for Harry to follow.
Getting up Harry walked with Steve down the halls trying to memorize all the twists and turns so he wouldn't get lost later. Unknown to the two officers, the rest of the commandos tried to follow quietly behind; none of them wanted to miss Howard trying to make magic work for him and they all wanted to see what their newest member's uniform will be.
"You know they're following us right" Harry whispered to Steve with a smile. He knew everyone was curious about Howard's ideas, hell he was curious.
"Of course, they are. They all want to see what Howard comes up for you, after what he created for me."
"Oh yes, the walking flag outfit. Very subtle." Steve reached out and smacked Harry on the shoulder. "Why are they all so excited, its not like Howard is going to have my uniform ready."
"There is a very good chance that he already does. It didn't take him long to create mine once we agreed on a design."
"Wait, wait, wait. You agreed to wear this?"
"Shut up my uniform's fine. Bucky likes it."
"Bucky liking it is never a good sign. We both know that. Perhaps you should rethink the outfit." Both men laughed knowing that Bucky wasn't far and could hear everything they said.
"Remind me why I was glad to see you here."
"Don't worry I will." Harry whispered to Steve, letting him know exactly what he meant. He was slightly regretting not being able to get under Steve's uniform earlier, but that could wait until night when they would have hours alone.
Cleaning his throat, Steve was glad for the extra padding Howard had insisted on as it hid his raging erection. "That sounds like a plan." Gesturing to the large set of double doors he was thankful they had finally reached Howard's lab. "Here we are. This is Howard's lab, be careful going in there. He always has things exploding, and I'm sure that he'll try and get you to show him more magic in there."
"Don't worry, I'll be careful. I know better than to do magic in a no-Maj lab."
Opening the door Steve guided Harry in before closing the door behind them, shutting the rest of the commandos out. Hearing the door close Harry laughed. "Did you really have to shut the door on them?"
"Yes. Yes, I did. It's crowded enough in here without those bumbling apes trying to get in the way. Howard!"
"Well hello there boys. I'm glad you made it. I think I've got something really special here. I've making this using the same carbon polymer that I used for the rest of the commandos. I've got the proto-type ready for you in the side room." Howard led Harry over to a small room off to the side of the lab. "Yours is a lot simpler than Steve's to put on so it shouldn't take long." Leaving him to it Howard went back to his experiments.
In the room Harry found a mass of black fabric hanging on the wall. Shrugging he pulled it down and looked it over. It looks alright, could be better in dragon hide. I should see if I can get enough to use for all our uniforms, at least for lining. Putting on the uniform he was surprised to find a snakeskin masquerade mask hanging underneath the uniform. Shrugging he put it all on and looked at himself in the mirror on the wall.
It was a simple uniform, black pants and boots, with a white collared shirt. A brocade back vest was worn over while there was a Victorian style coat. Over it all was a long, hooded black cloak. With the mask it reminded Harry of the phantom of the opera. I wonder if that's what Howard was going for. Let's see what the others think of this.
Leaving the room Harry found that the rest of the commandos had forced their way into the Howard's lab and were bothering Howard and Steve. Smirking to himself Harry made his way to where the men were standing, making sure none of them saw him. Creeping up Harry reached out and grabbed Dum Dum's shoulder. "BOO!"
Steve was sure he had never heard a grown man shriek like that before. Once he had calmed his raging heart, he could admit that Harry had gotten them all good. "Merlin Harry, don't do that."
"Fuck, you're like some kind of phantom there Potter." Dum Dum said with a hand over his heart.
"That's it!" Howard cried out. "That will be your code name."
"Howard what are you talking about?" Harry pulled off his mask and lowered his hood.
"If we need to keep magic a secret, then you need to stay hidden, hence the style of your uniform. Steve has decided to keep the name Captain America and you'll need a code name as well." Howard turned in a circle with his arms out. "Captain America, Phantom and the Howling Commandos!"
I forgot to add a list of what the guys call eachother in the last chapter:
Steve calls James Jerk, Harry Imp and Jared Numpty (Scottish for idiot)
James calls Steve Punk, Harry Brat and Jared Brodie (30's slang for mistake)
Harry calls Steve Pillock, James Prat and Jared Plonker (Idiot)
Jared calls Steve Twit, James Moron and Harry Gremlin