Standard Disclaimer: I own nothing in regards to Harry Potter or the MCU. All properties therein are those of their creators. I am just a writer working on my skills with worlds and characters that I love.

Note: I'm actually a pretty big fan of J. Jonah Jameson, and I think he gets a bit of a bad rap. He was best portrayed in the Sam Raimi spider man trilogy, and has since been made more argumentative than necessary in the Tom Holland trilogy. I think the Raimi trilogy helped bring across that he is a man with strong ideas, ideals, and principles, but in his heart he is a good man. Even though he does sensationalize some things. That is the character I want to introduce at the beginning of this chapter.

Note: Hermione Granger is going to be mentioned in this chapter and I just know I'm going to get questions on weather or not she's going to join the harem. She won't. This version of Harry wouldn't really fit well with her. That being said I am looking for one or perhaps two Hogwarts girls to join. I'm open to suggestions. They can either be currently attending the school or be alumni.

Note: I am thinking maybe one or two other mutants as well for the harem. If you have suggestions or preferences send them my way.

Note: I am currently working on the next chapters of the Wheel Turns and The Black Prince of the Enchanted Forest. I hope to have them posted over the next couple weeks.

Part Five - Conquest

Three Months Later

New York

In a bustling newsroom full of staffers, camera crews, and a mustachioed anchor ruffling papers behind his desk, something incredible was about to happen. The first live televised interview with aliens, and alien royalty no less, was about to begin.

"Andy! How's my make-up?" J. Jonah Jameson demanded of his aid as he finalized the order of his questions. He would never admit it, but he was excited as hell to be given the honor of this interview. He may not have liked all of what these people had done to his country, but he couldn't help but realize that his name would go down in history for what happened here tonight. Strange that the Asgardians had apparently asked for him, one of the most argumentative journalists and editors in the media to chair their discussion.

Regardless, his cameraman was giving him the visual countdown so he waved Andy back and prepared for his opening statement. The fingers reached zero and he faced the camera head on as the media clip played their station intro.

"Good evening, my name is J. Jonah Jameson and I am here tonight, instead of our usual anchor, with a special segment. You see, a very important pair of individuals wish to address the nation's worries and have decided to use our platform to do so. I have been given free leave to ask whatever questions I desire and I promise you that I plan to make full use of it. After all, unlike that menace Spiderman, these two seem to actually be willing to face my questions head on."

He shuffled his papers for a moment to build tension and then proclaimed, "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome for their first media appearance ever, Prince Loki and Prince Harry of Asgard."

As the pre-recorded sound of applause came over the speakers the man and child in question, each dressed in smart charcoal colored three-piece suits, entered from off the stage and took seats on the couch next to Jameson's desk. Neither of them wore ties and their collars were puffed open in a casual fashion. Their host felt downright slovenly when compared to the fine fabric displayed.

As usual, the god of mischief had to have the first word. "Thank you for having us, John. My son and I are happy to be here."

"Yes… your son. On that note, is it out of line for me to notice that he is blue? I mean no offense but you don't exactly look alike." Jameson noted, holding to his promise not to hold back on his questions.

Instead of answering, the god simply looked the other man in the eyes and allowed his glamour to fade, revealing his blue skin for a few moments before bringing it back. Then he said, "I feel more comfortable looking like everyone else. It is a point of pride for me that Harry does not share my hangup."

"You answered that rather easily."

"Well I did promise you that no topics were off limits." Loki gave a half smile followed by a mischievous wink.

The host nodded before selecting his next topic of inquiry. "I'm glad to hear that you meant that. On that note, can we discuss the Asgardian occupation of America? As a citizen of the country I can freely admit that I have mixed feelings about a foreign force taking over."

Again Loki answered, "Of course, John. Look, we originally came in peace and were content to stay that way, but when elements in the highest levels of your government kidnapped my son there was really no other response. Harry is our crown prince, and Asgard is a warrior nation. Force is met with force, and insult is met with enough strength to make sure it never happens again."

"When you say the 'highest levels of government' what exactly do you mean?"

"In the course of rescuing Harry we discovered a hard drive containing hundreds of email chains. After perusing them we were left with evidence that not only the president knew about the mission to attack Harry's school and kidnap him, but so did no less than five other committee heads in Congress. Furthermore, there was also implicit conversations that described in detail the capture and dissection of two hundred mutants in that same location with the full backing of over twenty senators. These, like my son, were also American citizens. Since occupying the country we have shut down not only that site, but four others that we have been able to track down."

Jameson frowned, but nodded nonetheless. The knowledge that leaders in his country had condoned such acts horrified him. "So you are framing your invasion as a 'humanitarian' act?"

Instead of answering himself this time, the god nudged the boy beside him, signaling that he should take this one. The boy nodded and looked his interviewer in the eye as he spoke.

"That is exactly what it is. What happened to me aside, what was done to those mutants was a horror of human rights nightmares. Something needed to be done, and it is clear that this current government was too corrupt to do anything about it. It is not why we invaded, but if we can guarantee safety for all of the people here then at least something good came out of it. Also, that isn't the only thing we've done to make life better."

"Yes…" Jonah slid a printout up to reference, "The series of laws that Odin put forth and enacted. Could you elaborate on those, Prince Harry?"

"Sure." Harry nodded easily. His father had coached him extensively on how to act in front of a crowd. "First off, mutants now have equality under the law. Any crime committed against them on the basis of their X-Gene mutation is now considered a hate crime and will be responded to as such."

He turned to face the camera directly. "We realize that the other countries of the world have yet to enact such a policy, so I have been allowed to say this. Our immigration requirements for mutants have been heavily unrestricted. All you have to do is interview with one of our telepaths now manning stations at the international airports to show you mean our country no harm, and you will be greeted with open arms. We will protect you." Having said his piece, the boy turned back to the host.

"Interesting speech, Mr. Carter, but aren't you concerned that you might be opening up our country to dangerous extremists?" He gestured to the green screen behind him where a side monitor showed them all that a recording of Magneto flying over New York was playing. "For instance, Magneto, a known mutant first extremist has escaped captivity and is freely flying over the city I call home. How do you plan to deal with people like him when you freely invite them in?"

Harry frowned, "That's a pretty judgmental view of people, Mr. Jameson. You're just assuming that everyone that comes here looking for safety is going to cause trouble. Magneto was being tortured in prison and my teacher released him on the promise that he would not harm others without cause while he was out. Since the events of my rescue we have discussed many things with him, and he has agreed that as long as mutants have freedoms here enforced by law he will cease all terrorist actions. He lived through the holocaust and the only thing he desires is safety for his people. We believe the cruel and unusual punishment he received in his previous captivity reduces his sentence to time served. He is flying over your city now because we have named him one of its Guardians."

"You named a violent extremist as the guardian of my city?"

"We named one of the most powerful men alive as 'a' guardian of your city." The boy corrected. Just think, with all the work he'll get up to, along with whoever else we install, that pesky Spiderman of yours might get some time off."

"Hm." Jameson growled before turning back to Loki. "Clearly we the American people can say nothing about who you choose to watch over us, so let us move on to another topic. What exactly is your plan for us? You have armed squadrons patrolling our streets, and your warships are clearly visible in the sky, but aside from your laws about mutant equality, nationally allowed marriage for homosexual couples, and certain loosened restrictions including adoption and the drinking age, you haven't been overly forthcoming."

"Ah yes," Loki answered, "First off, those squadrons are only in place for a limited time. Their purpose is to ease tensions and provide security after all the riots that broke out after your previous president announced our takeover and his abdication of office. Once peace is completely restored we will of course leave security to the police forces with minimal Asgardian oversight. We seek amicable control, not to become vicious tyrants. The easiest way to think about your current situation is that you are now a monarchy controlled constitutional government. Almost like England except we as the royal family hold ultimate power. As such your presidency is no longer an office and your congress is disbanded. The senate shall function well enough once things are streamlined. We have no problem with you electing officials to govern yourselves, but they inevitably answer to us and we will cancel what we think needs cancelling and enact what needs to be enacted."

"Could you give us some examples?"

"Of course. You see the senate shall manage the day to day functions of your country. Things like infrastructure, national budgets, education, and the like. That being said we have also passed mandates that completely remove religion from school curriculums. It has no place there. Ironically enough that caused a couple riots in the south but we handled them. Matters of war, diplomatic relations, and moral implementation of law will be our responsibility. See us as oversight."

"What about healthcare? Who handles that?"

"No one, John. We have made it free for everyone, and we have included the benefits of Asgardian healing and medicine to the system as well. The people of America will no longer need to fear major diseases such as cancer or AIDS. Our magic can dispose of them quite readily."

"And you believe all of your changes are for the better?"

"But of course, John. Just think about how convoluted your previous form of government was. I would hazard to guess that your average citizen didn't even know how complicated it was to create and enact a new law. Add in the fact that the majority of senators and congressmen were horribly corrupt and in the pocket of corporate interests rather than their constituents, and you have a mess on your hands."

"We have solved this by limiting the distance a request has to travel. The people bring their concerns to their state senators, they in turn vote on the potential issue or law and then send the decision up to us for final confirmation. Quite simple if I do say so myself. Furthermore we have removed the threat of corruption by instituting mandatory monthly checks with telepaths to scan for bribery, and making it absolutely illegal for corporate entities to contribute in any way to a senator's campaign or career. Once someone takes office they exist to serve their people and not themselves. Additionally they are only allowed to be a senator once before waiting ten years to campaign again. There will be no more of this consecutive term nonsense. The position is a service, not a career."

Once more Jameson found himself frowning and nodding. He grudgingly admitted to himself that this alien was making a lot of good points. "So to be clear, your goal is not to become the next Julius Caesar?"

Across his desk the god laughed, "No, John. We don't seek world conquest. we didn't even seek this conquest. As long as the rest of the world does not threaten us we are no threat to them. That being said, this country will go through a change. America is going to become a bastion of equality. Be that for the sexes, mutants, magic, or alien. And yes there are other alien races out there besides us. I believe it will just take the people some time to accept that fact."

"You'd probably be right on that front. But on to other questions. We've covered what you plan to do with our nation, but I think our viewers would also appreciate getting to know their new overlords. Can you tell us a bit about yourselves?"

Loki and Harry nodded to each other before the older of the two began to speak. The god of mischief gave J. Jonah Jameson a brief overview of his life. Considering he'd already lived for thousands of years it was impressive. He detailed certain adventures, family relations, roasted Thor for a bit, and then talked about his brief excursion as an ambassador.

"Thank you, Prince Loki, that was quite informational. How about you Prince Harry? what can you share?"

Harry had been nervous about saying anything about his past, but both of his parents had assured him that it was fine. "There isn't a lot to tell. I was born in England to a human mother. She died a year after having me and I was sent to live with my aunt and uncle. I will admit that they were not kind to me, but I was soon saved by my adopted mom Peggy and brought to America where I became a US citizen. One thing led to another and I met my dad. Everything else I think people already know. Is there anything specific you'd like to know about?"

"Do you have powers?" Jameson asked curiously. He knew Asgardians and Frost Giants, he'd just recently been briefed on them, were incredibly strong, but he wanted to learn more.

In answer, the boy stood up and extended his hands over the floor. At once the room was filled with gently falling snow. "I have a mixture of Frost Giant abilities and Asgardian magic at my disposal."

"That's… beautiful." Jameson shocked himself by saying, and it was. Each snow flake was large enough to make out their unique features quite clearly.

The trio went on for the next two hours. Discussing everything from political agendas to Asgardian cuisine. As promised, no topic was off limits. When the camera's finally stopped filming Jameson actually found, against all reason, that he liked his guests. Who would have thought?

Before leaving however, the young boy came up to him and asked, "Sir, can I ask you a question off the record?"

In spite of his regular surly attitude, the lifetime newsman couldn't help but smile at the child using reporter jargon. Blue skin or not it was just adorable. "Sure, kid, I-I mean Prince Harry."

Either not noticing the slip, or not caring, the boy asked, "Why do you hate Spiderman so much? I watched a lot of your monologues online before coming here today and you spend a lot of time ranting about him. And it's just Harry while we're off camera."

J. Jonah was silent for several moments as he thought about his answer and made doubly sure that the cameras were not in fact rolling. "I don't hate him, Harry. I hate what he represents. Spiderman goes out there and beats criminals up without any oversight or instruction. There is not a person in authority that I know that has any idea who he is. He just takes it upon himself to go out there and do whatever he wants. In a society, such actions never end well. Especially not when others start to emulate you. He gives the people hope, sure, but he also tells them that it is okay to act outside the law as long as you can justify it to yourself." He hesitated for moment then, an act that his guest noticed.

"Was there another reason too?" he asked.

"Yes… for all we know under that mask Spiderman could be… a kid. A teenager that thinks he's doing something good, or cool, but he's out there taking on criminals with no support. What if he gets injured or hurt? He won't be able to go to a hospital because he's not acting legally. I have a son myself, and the idea of that happening to someone like him, well, it terrifies me. I don't hate Spiderman, I worry about him."

Harry stood silently for a moment before reaching up and taking the bigger man's hand in his own. "You're a good man, Mr. Jameson." the boy said before moving off to join his father. Leaving J. Jonah Jameson feeling lighter than he had in years.

Offstage, Harry was met with the sight of his mom and dad talking, and two females in suits standing by the doors in positions of attention. Upon seeing him Yuriko and Laura rushed over to take their usual positions beside him and slightly behind. Constantly watching for any threat.

After the rescue at Alkali Lake, Laura had refused to even consider the idea of being separated from him, and Yuriko had insisted to his parents that she owed their son a life debt for saving her from Stryker's mind control. Eventually an agreement was made for the two of them to stay by Harry's side as his bodyguards. In Frigga's words, 'A prince needs both protection and an entourage.' Well he had the protection part down. His entourage, or friends as he called them, were waiting back at the White House. Odin had proclaimed it Harry's new home on Midgard as a sign of his status. The fact that he was now the heir to not only one but two nations still boggled the young boy's mind at times.

Dropping back a step he looped his arm over Laura's shoulder and joined his parents as the girl nuzzled into him affectionately.

"Are you ready to head home, Harry?" Peggy asked warmly as she gazed at the children. Laura's close proximity to Harry meant the girl had a close proximity to her as well, and the older woman had quickly come to adore her.

"Yeah. Let's go home."

Six Years Later

It took several months, but eventually the riots and unrest ceased. The new laws and systems became commonplace and the people learned all of the benefits that living in an Asgard controlled state entailed. The free healthcare and advanced medicine saw the national death rate drop exponentially, while the vast treasuries of Asgard allowed for the implementation of grand public works and construction. These simultaneously dropped the unemployment rate of the nation to almost zero while also advancing the country's infrastructure and technology by decades if not centuries.

Public safety was seen to by a combination of Asgardian-led human police forces, and the Guardians. These were a selection of trained and authorized heroes that served in specified geographic areas to support crime fighting operations, national defense, and disaster relief efforts. Many former vigilantes such as Spiderman, Daredevil, and Blade had registered with the Guardian recruiters and now received the full support of the new government as well as a generous salary. If they wished they needed not provide their secret identities but they did submit a record of their hero names, powers, and their areas of operations. Ironically enough, many graduates of Xavier's school also signed on, seeing it as a way to use the powers they'd trained so extensively with to help their fellow citizens. In a way, Harry's family had legalized being a superhero as a profession.

The Avengers however, did not sign on as Guardians. This was explained by Director Fury as a need to be free of individual government control so they could act internationally should the need arise. It was actually a move Peggy agreed with.

Needs were met, corruption was weeded out, and all through the land, people were happy.

An unexpected result of this eventuality was the citizen's response to Prince Harry. After his interview with J. Jonah Jameson, and the subsequent ones that followed, the American people fell into Prince Harry fever. Almost overnight he became one of, if not the, biggest celebrities in the world. And his people loved him.

The White House / Royal Home

"Ugh, do we have to do this, mom?" Harry asked as he walked out of his dressing room. The tailors had spent an hour just pinning his outfit in the right places and checking different points so it would fit right. Having finally reached six feet he guessed it made sense, but still… no one liked being immobile for that long.

Across from him, Peggy sat in a chair reading the latest paper. Apparently, according to the enlarged image on the front page, Magneto and Spiderman had worked together with Doctor Strange to stop a multi-dimensional demon from infesting their world.

"Yes, dear. If I had to get fitted, and Yuriko and Laura do to, then so do you."

"What about Jean, Luna, and Kurt?"

"They had their sizings done last week. You lot really are the laziest of the bunch."

"Hey, we're not lazy. We just had better things to do." He argued. "Making eyes at Laura while you train with Yuriko is not 'better' things, my son." She spoke with a raised eyebrow. Her words would have made a regular person blush, but Harry, being blue, turned a dark purple.

"I-I wasn't…" He stammered, causing Peggy to stand and walk over to him.

She placed a comforting hand on his cheek and said, "Honey, it's alright to admit you have feelings for Laura. She clearly has them for you too, and she definitely has my approval."

"It's not just that, mom." He admitted, unable to hide anything when she stared into his eyes like that.

"Then explain it to me. I'm all ears, and Laura is busy with the fitting so she won't hear you."

The seventeen, almost eighteen, year old sighed and said, "I like Laura… no. After everything we've done, shared, been through, I think I love her. But… it's not just her."

Peggy nodded, having seen the looks shared amongst her boy's friends. "Jean and Luna?"

"Yeah." He looked down, unable to look his mother in the eye after what he was admitting. "How can I ask Laura to take that step with me? How can I tell her how I feel when I can't guarantee I'll feel that way about only her? How can I do that with any of them?"

Before Peggy could answer, the door to the other dressing room burst open and Laura launched herself across the distance to wrap her arms and legs tightly around his torso. Before he could comment on her frilly dress, or the fact that there were still needles pricking out of it, the girl grabbed his face and kissed him.

"Huh! Whah! How!" Harry couldn't get a single legible word out when Laura pulled away, so she just kissed him again before saying, "My ears are very good, Harry. I could hear you through the wall. So listen, you are making this too complicated. I want you, you want me, and you want others. I am okay with that."

Such was his shock that Harry reverted to Spanish. "Estas segura, Laura?" (are you sure, Laura)

She smirked and replied, "Sí Harry. Mi primer amigo, mi salvador, mi corazón." (yes, Harry. My first friend, my savior, my heart.) She returned to english after enjoying the blush her friend gave at her words. It had taken her years to get used to human expressions and understand her own emotions as well, so getting the desired response always felt like a victory. "For now, accept me, as I accept you. Speak to Jean and Luna and see if they feel the same. If they do, I will happily welcome them, though I know for a fact Jean is willing."

"What!" Harry exclaimed. He thought he'd know if his best friend had the hots for him. So it was rather contrary for him when both Laura 'and' his mother nodded, with looks on their faces that clearly conveyed that they thought he was an idiot.

"Jean and I have spoken of such things before. She became jealous of all the time we spent together, both in captivity and when I served as your bodyguard, and four years ago she started unconsciously projecting her insecurities into my head." Laura confirmed. "So I confronted her, we spoke, she vented, I listened, and eventually we came to an agreement to share you should the possibility arise. After all, we both care about you and we thought having to choose might hurt you. Of course, we had to wait and see if you felt that way toward us first."

"W-W-Well, I didn't expect that." Damn that purple blush for returning! "I need to talk to her then." He gently pried Laura's limbs off of him and turned her back to the dressing room. "And I think you need to finish with your tailoring."

She growled as he pushed her toward the door. "This is ridiculous. "innecesaria." (unnecessary). "My job is to protect you, not strut around in a massive poof of cloth and fabric. How do I fight in this!"

As he answered, Harry wrapped his arms around her shoulders and kissed the hispanic girl's cheek. "You shouldn't need to, Laura. We're going to a state dinner at Buckingham Palace to build diplomatic relations. If fighting breaks out then we have not done our jobs. That being said, If anyone can fight in something like that, it's you."

"Damn right." The girl preened under his praise and marched the rest of the way through the door on her own.

Meanwhile, Peggy was smiling. Even without knowing all the details, she'd seen the struggle in her son's eyes whenever he looked at Laura for the last several months. It was nice to know that it was at least slightly settled. Those two, and she guessed Jean, were good for each other. Now if Luna joined them too then maybe she'd finally get her dream of a large batch of grandkids. Although, not for several years yet hopefully. She was too young to be called a grandmother.

Harry came back and she dusted his shoulders off lightly. "So you'll be going to see Jean and Luna then?"

It wouldn't be difficult. After all the damage to Xavier's mansion had been repaired Frigga had insisted on placing Manual Bifrost Bridges on several key doorways. These connected two points in space immediately. One such bridge connected to a door in the White House. It was both a means of quick escape for the students, and how Harry had been getting back and forth for his classes.

"Yeah, and Kurt. We haven't hung out a lot for the last couple weeks and I kinda want to rectify that, and make sure he's okay with me trying to date Jean and Luna. I mean, I think he mainly has eyes for Wanda, but you never know."

Peggy raised an eyebrow at the thought. Now hadn't that been a surprise? A year after peace had been restored, two teenagers named Wanda and Pietro Maximoff had shown up at the institute claiming that Magneto was their father. Apparently their mother had had a short dalliance with the man years ago in Sokovia, and she'd only told them who he was on her deathbed. After she finally passed, they'd contacted Erik and he'd arranged for them to travel across the border to live at the Institute, where they could train and he could visit when his duties as a national Guardian allowed.

Suddenly becoming a parent at his age was an adjustment that he was ill suited for so he'd contacted Peggy for advice. The two had spent many hours discussing the ins and outs of dealing with children and teenagers, and Erik had left each one feeling a little better about what he was doing. He'd decided not to smother his kids. They'd lived their lives without him already, but he could still be around and offer what support he could. It seemed to work too. Several years into their new dynamic, the family of three was as close as could be given their circumstances.

Coming out of her musings, Peggy said, "I think you're right on that point, sweetie, but it's still a good idea to touch base with him. Changing your group dynamic like this will be an adjustment after all."

"Yeah." Harry smiled widely up at her, "But I think it will be a good one. I just don't know how I missed that Jean liked me too."

"Oh son," Peggy lamented, "all men are clueless with women. It is the same weather they be human, Asgardian, or frost giant. You just need to learn to accept it." She led him out of the room toward the hall with the bifrost bridge. "On that note, I don't think you'll find Luna too argumentative either. I know for a fact she's had a thing for you ever since you saved her in the mansion attack."

"What!"

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Scotland

Deputy Headmistress's Office

It was a strange group of individuals waiting in Minerva's office when she entered with a certain letter embossed with a coat of arms. Albus of course, the head of the DMLE Amelia Bones, the minister of magic Cornelius Fudge, Filius Flitwick her good friend and the head of Ravenclaw house, Pomona Sprout the head of Hufflepuff, and Severus Snape the head of Slytherin. Against all odds the greasy man had managed to avoid the justice he deserved and keep his position alongside Albus. It was a surprise indeed as Minerva knew for a fact that almost half of the board had voted to fire the man on the first day of deliberations. She couldn't prove it, but Minerva suspected Lucius Malfoy's famed fortune had taken a serious dive to protect the career of his son's godfather. The only silver lining was that his more 'violent' tendencies were being kept in check. The man probably knew he had no more chances left, and no more chips to cash in.

She'd sent missives summoning them all the moment she'd read the contents of the missive she held. It was a matter that concerned not only her students but the entirety of Magical Britain.

"Ah, Minerva." Albus greeted her with same annoying grandfather persona he always seemed to have. In six years he had not changed at all. No matter how much his heads of house, even Snape, had tried to move him. "Now that we are all gathered perhaps you could inform us as to what was so important it could not wait until morning?"

In answer she brandished the letter and handed it to Amelia Bones for her perusal. The more she read, the paler her face became before she passed it in turn to Flitwick, This continued with everyone in the room until it ended with Cornelius. Unsurprisingly, he was the only one that didn't seem to grasp what was going on.

"Who is this Elizabeth woman and why does she think she can order us to do anything?" He blustered as he tore his awful green bowlers hat off his head in frustration.

Minerva sighed, "And you all wonder why I get hundreds of complaints about our muggle studies course every year."

"That course is full of material approved by the ministry." Fudge declared. "There is nothing to complain about."

The deputy head gave the man her most nerve shattering stare. "Except the fact that its material is over two hundred years out of date? Hm? That issue aside this 'Elizabeth' person is Queen Elizabeth. The ruler of our country. The one you as the minister answer to directly. Or have you convinced yourself that you stand above everyone?"

The man puffed up his chest with false bravado and said, "Wizards and witches do not answer to the whims of mere muggles."

Minerva was about to respond when Amelia cut in for her. "That is a lie and you know it, Cornelius. Our government charter makes it very clear that our ministry is merely another arm of the British government. As such we fall under the jurisdiction of the queen, the prime minister, and parliament for that matter should they pass any laws regarding us. To deny any of these truths would be tantamount to proclaiming treason and sedition and I would be required to arrest you on those grounds."

Having been called out so effectively, Fudge shakily started spinning his hat in his hands and turned away, clearly trying to shift attention away from himself. It worked, if only because the people present were more interested in discussing what had been written.

Minerva chose to just get down to it. "As many of you know, I have been fielding requests for the last several years now from my students. They want to know when we'll start teaching Asgardian magic techniques and why the statute of secrecy is still in effect when an entire country is openly practicing that same magic."

Albus cut in, "And I told you, Minerva, that those rumors cannot be true. Yes MACUSA has gone silent, but that is easily explained by the foreign takeover of their country. I cannot believe that magic has been revealed to world, otherwise there would be mass stake burnings and witch hunts. We must write back to the queen and stress how horrible her plan is. She must be convinced to stop or we will all most certainly be persecuted."

As one, his heads of house groaned. They'd been trying to tell him how wrong he was for years and he refused to listen. So convinced was he in the truth of his own words. The man just could not seem to conceive of a world where he was wrong. Meanwhile Amelia was glaring at Cornelius with fresh annoyance. She'd been asking him and the rest of the wizengamont similar questions for just as long. She kept up with the muggle news after all so she'd been well aware of magic's reveal, yet no motions to repeal the statute had even been considered. She and her counterparts worldwide were convinced that their wizarding governments and the ICW were too desperate to hold on to whatever scraps of power and independence they had left to even consider letting it go. If they revealed themselves to the world then they would be fully subject to the same laws as everyone else, rather than those they made for themselves.

So it was with a rather savage smirk that she pulled from her bottomless mokeskin pouch every newspaper issue she'd saved over the years detailing magic and the alien nature of the Asgardians in America. She'd made a habit of carrying them with her to back up her arguments in the ministry.

"These say you're full of shit, Dumbledore. Face it, the jig is up. The world knows about magic, and no matter what you or those other old codgers in the ICW think, no one cares. It has become commonplace now. So get over yourselves and accept the new reality we live in!"

As happy as pretty much everyone present was to see Albus getting torn into, the letter really did take precedence. So clearing her throat, Minerva addressed the elephant in the room. "Queen Elizabeth is informing us that she plans to host an Asgardian delegation at her palace two weeks from now for a state dinner. The aim is apparently to promote friendship between our nations. At that event she plans to announce the existence of the magical world, and would like a group of seventh year Hogwarts students present to display what they've learned here to her guests. She says it is important that America knows they are not the only world power with access to magic. She also makes it clear that this is an order, not a request. So we must make sure our faculty has appropriate dress-wear as well as select one student from each house to attend and perform."

At her words, Albus face fell into his hands. "We are doomed."

"Oh stuff it, Albus." Flitwick barked. "You're being fatalistic for no reason. Maybe if you actually went out into the real world instead of hiding in your tower you'd see how wrong you really are. Anyway, we need to select our students, yes? That is why you wanted the heads of house here?" At Minerva's nod he said, "I'll send Anthony Goldstein. He has immaculate marks in charms and is a half-blood who spent the majority of his life in the muggle world. He will know how to act there."

Minerva nodded her agreement to his choice. "I will send Hermione Granger. The girl is a prodigy of transfiguration and I plan to make her my official apprentice after graduation this year. As a muggleborn she too will know how to interact at the event."

"Now see here!" Fudge broke in, "All I'm hearing are half-bloods and muggleborns. What about the best of our society? We need a pure blood to be present!"

"I'm going to pretend you didn't just admit to blood bigotry, minister." Amelia growled, causing the man to grow even paler than before.

Nevertheless, Snape seemed to agree with him. "I'll send Draco Malfoy. He is decent in the majority of his studies and he has attended many pureblood social events so I am sure he will act correctly with the nobility."

Minerva could only stare. "That boy is a certifiable blood purist, Severus! He won't be able to go five minutes without insulting someone there."

"Now, now, Minerva." Dumbledore placed a hand on her shoulder that was quickly knocked away. He always seemed surprised that she stood up to him. "I think the problem with young Draco is that he simply has not seen any other world than this one. If a student must attend, then perhaps this will be the thing that changes his entire mindset." He turned to Snape, "As headmaster of Hogwarts I agree to your choice, Professor Snape." The greasy haired man nodded his appeasement as everyone else, barring the minister, steamed. That boy alone could destroy the world's image of their school.

Shaking off the lost cause, Pomona declared, "I will send Susan Bones. she is well rounded in her use of charms and transfiguration as well as runes. I believe that she will provide the best showing of her year mates."

"Very good." Minerva said, "So that is settled then-"

"Minerva, perhaps we could discuss your choice more. I know young mister Weasley has been asking for more responsibilities. Why, you completely ignored my recommendation for his posting as a prefect in his fifth year."

"Ronald Weasley has consistently had the worst scores of his year, and Hogwarts history for that matter, and the only reason he hasn't been expelled for failing is that you refuse to sign the paperwork!" She raged. "To have responsibility one must have the means to match their ambition. That boy is too lazy to do or achieve anything of merit. He has had many chances and applied himself to none. I will not deprive my best student of her chance to shine so that you can look good to the Weasley family. Back off, Albus!" Properly cowed, the older man stepped back. He knew a losing battle when he saw one. Most of the time.

"As I was saying," Minerva got back on track, "That is settled. Now we have two weeks to get the presentations ready, as well as get proper dress robes commissioned for the students and teachers. Amelia, the note said the head of the DMLE was also requested. Will you have robes ready in time or would you like to add them to our order?"

"I'll be fine, professor McGonagall." The other woman assured her.

"Good. Then Minister Fudge, it is up to you to notify the wizengamont that the statute of secrecy is at an end. Everyone else… let us prepare."