To Have a Home
By Ammie Hawk
Disclaimer: Still not mine.
AN: Okay, so we come once again to my Twelve Days of Christmas. This is the first installment, hope you enjoy. Just so everyone knows, I have the twelve chapters already written, but they are not for one story, so keep your eyes on my page for the next update. Anyway, Happy Holidays, and Merry Christmas.
Chapter 3
Thor made his way carefully over to the bed with the barely conscious wizard. He knew that the swirling magic in the air wasn't meant to harm, only to protect the boy, but if he did anything threatening that could change at any moment.
"It's okay, little one," he said, his voice easily carrying through the room. "No one will hurt you. You are safe."
Glazed green eyes turned to regard the Asgardian. Thor had to stop himself from shuddering or disappearing into his memories. Those eyes reminded him so much of his brother's.
"Little one," he continued his approach, "my name is Thor, and if you'll calm down, my friends and I would like to help you."
He continued talking, mostly nonsensical platitudes, till he finally reached the bed. He placed his free hand on the boy's shoulder, hoping to calm him. He let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding when the magic in the room dissipated.
"You can come in," he called over his shoulder to the others. "All is well, now."
Bruce was the first one back into the room. He made a beeline for the bed and before the other Alpha could react, he inserted a needle into the IV line and pushed the plunger.
"What have you done?" the God of Thunder barely managed to keep his voice down, for the boy's sake.
"It's just a mild sedative," Bruce reassured him. "Harry needs to rest, another outburst like that could kill him."
"You know nothing," Thor snarled, but quickly turned his attention back to the boy, who was quickly slipping back into unconsciousness. "Don't fight it, little one. I am sorry, but sleep now. I will be here when you wake, I promise."
The emerald orbs held his for a moment longer before finally succumbing to the drugs in his system. As soon as the child was comfortable, he turned back to the other Alpha.
"Twice today you have failed an Omega in your care," his voice was deceptively calm. "There will not be a third. If I catch so much as a whiff of you on these premises before the child is released, you will answer to me."
The brunet looked ready to take the challenge, as green began bleeding into his eyes, but a hand on his arm gave him pause. He turned to glare at the one who dared to interfere.
"Come on," Natasha said lightly. "Why don't you and me head back to Stark's tower and find us the best room. It'll be fun. And besides, the big guy's not needed here."
Bruce took a deep breath and nodded. This was not the place to have it out with the other Alpha. With a sigh, he allowed the only female on the team to lead him out of the room.
Once they were out of the room, Thor allowed himself to relax. He took the seat at the head of the bed, prepared to wait for the boy to reawaken. Tony sat in the only other chair at the foot of the bed, leaving Steve and Clint to stand.
"So," Clint leaned against the wall, arms folded defensively against his chest, "want to explain what the hell just happened? Are we dealing with another Loki here or what?"
"No," Steve shook his head, "magic here is different than what Loki used. It's more contained, less chaotic."
"Actually, they're no different," Thor cut in. "Magic is the same throughout the nine realms, access to it is what differs. Midgardians limit and weaken themselves with their lack of knowledge."
"Why would you say that?" the Captain scowled. "Wizards and witches are not weak."
"I'm not saying they are," the god shook his head. "I'm just explaining that they have fettered themselves with the use of a medium to harness their powers, as other mages throughout the realms do not. My mother and Loki could explain it better than I, as I am a warrior and cannot wield magic as they do. And Clint, he is just a child, there is nothing to fear from him, besides, even if there was, I would protect you."
"Wait," Tony interjected, waving his hands in front of him, looking over at the archer, choosing to latch onto a topic he could actually grasp at the moment, he'd deal with the rest later. "Barton, is he your Alpha?"
"I am courting him, yes," Thor gave a very roguish grin. "It is a work in progress, but yes, I am confident he will be mine."
"Pretty cocky there, Sparky," Clint rolled his eyes but the smile pulling at the corners of his mouth gave him away. "It's still my choice whether I accept you or not. You can't take that away from me."
"And I wouldn't dream of it," the long haired blond reached out and pulled the Omega onto his lap. "That is why I am courting you. I just have faith in you."
"Ew, gross, get a room," Tony looked away from the display of affection, pretending he actually cared. "There is a child present," he motioned to the unconscious boy.
"He's sleeping, Tony," Steve sighed, making his way to the head of the bed, still not quite believing this was his son.
"Anyway, changing the subject," the billionaire shook his head. "Did we ever figure out what status the kid had? Last I knew he hadn't been marked yet."
"They're running a lot of tests right now," the Captain took a deep breath, trying to keep his emotions in check. "That's on the list."
"He's an Omega," Thor frowned. "Don't they teach you how to identify what others are around you?"
"We got tats," Tony said, lowering the waistband on his left hip, revealing a green triquetra. "The only other way to tell is a hormone test."
"Excuse me," Steve turned and left the room.
The other three didn't try to stop him, it was a lot for the poor man to take. Hell, it was a lot for all of them to take in.
"When all this is over, and we return to the tower," the Asgardian shook his head, "I will personally teach each of you to identify someone's status by more natural means."
"That sounds like a great plan," Clint said, leaning back into the Alpha's embrace.
With that, silence descended on the trio and they settled in to wait.
888888
Steve made his way out of the ICU and back toward Bucky's room, tears flowing unchecked down his cheeks. He thought it had been hard seeing Tony, who was practically the spitting image of Howard, but their son was almost breaking his heart from the pain of missing his mate. He knew that some bonded mates didn't make it after one partner died, but he had sworn when he woke up that he wouldn't give up on this chance at life, after all Howard hadn't and he could at least be that strong. Besides, he had to be now, his son needed him.
He reached the room his old friend was in, and leaned back against the wall outside the door. He really wasn't sure what to do now. He really wished Howard was there, he'd know what to do. Hell, he'd even take Bucky yelling at him right now, telling him to at least get off his ass and do something.
He put his head in his hands and wished he could get away for a little bit, just a day or so, so he could clear his head. There was just too much going on here. With that thought, he pushed off the wall and headed for the facility's garage, where he kept a spare bike.
He grabbed his bike and headed upstate. He didn't know if it was still there or what condition it was in, but Howard had bought him a house. Not that they had gotten a chance to live there, but it had been where they'd bonded. It had been an amazing week, an escape from the reality of the war they'd been fighting, a dream. The most amazing dream he'd ever had, one that had been snatched away from them way too soon. He needed to make new dreams now, with his son, and hopefully Bucky, but first he had to let go.
He was surprised, when he finally arrived at his destination, that the house was still standing and in good condition. Though, it did look like someone else was living there now. Well, it couldn't hurt to see if they'd let him look around. With that thought in mind, he parked the bike and made his way to the front doors. He took a deep, fortifying breath and knocked.
"Yes?" a tall think man with black, shoulder length hair and a slightly hooked nose answered after a moment. "Can I help you?"
"Yeah," Steve smiled nervously. "Sorry to bother you, but, you see, I used to live here and I was just wondering if I could have a look around, for old time's sake, and then I'll be out of your hair, I promise."
A dark brow rose over equally dark eyes, "I highly doubt that, I have been taking care of this house and property for almost twenty years now, and my mother before me. We were charged by Mr. Stark himself to keep it in working order, even after his unfortunate passing."
"Look," the Captain let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, "I know you have no reason to believe me, but I knew Howard Stark, a long time ago. He actually bought this house for me."
"Hm," the other man gave him the once over before stepping aside to let him in. "Please, come in."
"You… you believe me?" he asked hesitantly, stepping inside.
"No one would claim to be Captain Steve Rogers who wasn't," the dark haired man led him through to the living room. "I read that you had returned. Besides, the property is warded so no one can find it unless they know it is here. Tea?"
"Uh, yeah, thanks," the blond nodded, taking a seat on the sofa. "You seem to have me at a bit of a disadvantage here, you obviously know who I am but I have no clue who you are."
"You wouldn't," he smirked, "we've never met. My mother always spoke very highly of you though, as did Mr. Stark, on the rare occasions I saw him."
"Your mother?"
"You would've known her as Eileen Prince," he handed Steve a cup of tea.
"Ei-Eileen?" Steve stuttered, accepting the beverage on autopilot. "Wow. Did Howard hire here because of who she was?"
"Yes, he hired her because she was your cousin," the other nodded.
"Damn," the blond shook his head. "Guess that makes us cousins too. Uh, Steve Rogers, pleasure to meet you," he extended his hand.
"Severus Snape," he accepted the proffered hand. "The pleasure is all mine."
"I'm just finding family all over the place," Steve chuckled a bit hysterically.
"Here," Severus sighed, pulling a vile from his pocket, "if you'll allow me, you seem to be in need of this."
"I don't know how effective a Calming Draught will be," the super soldier shook his head, "but sure, why not, couldn't hurt anything," he held out his cup for the potion. "So let me guess, you're exactly like Eileen and can't keep your nose out of a cauldron?"
"I do share my mother's love for potions," the raven haired man smirked, settling back into his chair. "I actually teach the subject at Hogwarts."
"Impressive," Steve could feel the effects of the potion working, minimal though they were, thanks to the serum. "That's the only magic school in Britain, right? And one of the top ten in Europe?"
"Yes," Snape chuckled. "Each country likes to believe their school is the best, but statistically it is in the top five."
"Well, congratulations, I guess," Steve raised his glass. "Thought, maybe with all those resources at your disposal, you could create a stronger Calming Draught. Not that I'm complaining, it did take the edge off, but I can already feel it wearing off."
"I will see what I can do," a dark brow rose. "However, I am assuming you are at least staying the night. The master bedroom is down the hall on the left, as I'm sure you know. There aren't many personal effects. After Mr. Stark passed, my mother packed everything he'd left here into a box and put it in the top of the closet. With that, I bid you good night. If you have need of anything, I'm in the first room on the right."
"Yeah, good night," the blond nodded, placing his cup on the table and pushing to his feet. "It was nice to meet you. I probably won't see you in the morning, I have to get back, and will more than likely be leaving really early."
"In that case, I hope we shall meet again," he extended his hand.
"Yeah, me too," Steve smiled as they shook hands.
888888
Harry felt like he was being held under water. Everything was so fuzzy. The last thing he clearly remembered was his uncle finding out he wasn't allowed to use magic outside of school, followed by one of the worst beatings he had ever received.
He shifted slightly, feeling the course sheets rub against his abused back. He bit his lip to keep from crying out, the Dursleys didn't like it when he cried after his punishments: They always promised worse if he did. But something was wrong. His sheets were never this stiff, they were so old and overused they were actually really soft, almost nonexistent, but soft.
He inwardly scowled, and tried to remember where he was. Wait, he'd asked Dobby to take him to New York. He'd gone to Stark Tower to try and join the Avengers, only no one had been there. That had to be where he was.
That's right, he'd fallen asleep after cleaning for the day. He should get up and continue cleaning, he did need to make a good impression after all. Though he had been having a really good dream.
There had been a man in it. He seemed to be glowing, practically radiating electricity. It should have terrified him, all that raw power in one person. And it did, at first, but as he drew closer, he could feel that the man wasn't there to hurt him, but protect him. He didn't believe in angels, but this guy probably was one. Someone like that couldn't be real, not even in the magical world.
Well, as Dumbledore told him, it doesn't do to dwell on dreams and forget to live. It was time to wake up and continue with his plan.
He opened his eyes and almost immediately regretted it. The lights were too bright and everything was fuzzy. He fumbled around for a moment, trying to find his glasses when suddenly he felt a much larger hand close around his own. He froze on instinct, his eyes flying open. He blanched from the light, but tried to see who was there.
"Easy there, kid," a male voice he didn't recognize said calmly. "Tony. Tony, get the lights, the kid's awake."
He heard movement at the foot of the bed and a moment later the lights dimmed to a manageable level. He squinted in the direction of the hand still holding his own, but could only make out that there were two people there but couldn't distinguish any features.
"It's okay, kiddo," the one holding his hand gave a reassuring squeeze. "You're safe now. No one's gonna hurt you. I'm Clint, by the way. This is Thor and that's Tony," he barely made out that he was pointing at the others.
"Wh-where am I?" he asked hoarsely, and a straw was placed to his lips.
"You're in the hospital," the one dubbed Tony answered, sitting down on the bed next to him and he was able to see him a bit better. "I know," he pulled a face, "not my first choice, but you left us no choice, Little Oz, you were in pretty bad shape and none of us are actual medical doctors."
"O-Okay," Harry wasn't sure what to make of this Tony character. "Can I have my glasses?"
"Glasses?" Clint said, a frown marring his features. "I didn't see any glasses. Tony?"
"Nope," the billionaire shook his head. "If they were at the tower though, they're probably gone. But don't worry, kiddo, I'll go get a doctor and see if we can't get some temporary specs for ya. Later we'll get you some fancy new ones, maybe even contacts or Lasik, be a shame to keep those gems covered all the time."
With that being said, Tony got up and left the room. Green eyes turned to the pair left in the room with him. He wished that they would move closer so he could actually see them, but then again, he wanted the space, it was bad enough Clint still hadn't let go of his hand.
"Harry," the one called Thor leaned forward, causing Clint to move as well. "Your name is Harry, yes?" the wizard nodded hesitantly, unable to look away from the blue eyes now holding his own. "I know it is difficult, and you have been through much for one so young, but you can trust us. No harm will come to you while you are in our care."
He wasn't sure why, but he did trust this man. There was something very soothing about his presence. He nodded to show he did trust him.
"Good," the Asgardian nodded, as the door opened to admit Tony, as well as a doctor and two nurses.
"Ah, Mr. Potter," the doctor extended his hand, "we're glad you've woken up. Now, there are a few things we need to take care of. First of all, Mr.—"
"Tony," the brunet interrupted.
"Tony," the doctor rolled his eyes, "has informed us that you require eye glasses. We will begin that exam shortly, however, that brings me to the second matter. As you may or may not be aware, it is required throughout the world, that all children, on their twelfth birthday be brought in and tested, and subsequently marked with their new status."
"Status?" Harry frowned, he'd never heard of that before.
"It's nothing to worry about, Little Oz," Tony shook his head. "We'll explain all that later. Right now, they're just gonna give you a small tattoo. See," he showed his to the boy, "it'll match mine. It'll be awesome."
"I don't want a tattoo," green eyes darted wildly around at all the people in the room.
"Harry," Thor's calm voice cut through his panic, "it is custom here, as barbaric as it is, it must be done. I will be right here the entire time, and if you'd like, you can hold on to my hand."
Harry wasn't used to being offered any form of comfort, for anything, but this man seemed sincere. In truth, he kinda reminded him of Hagrid, the Hogwarts gamekeeper. With that thought in mind, he nodded and twitched his hand in the blond's direction. A faint smile graced his lips, as he took the small hand in both of his large ones.
It didn't take too long for the task to be completed. It hadn't hurt, per se, but tears still prickled the back of his eyes. He didn't want any more marks proving he was different than everyone else.
"Great," Tony clapped his hands together, interrupting Harry's thoughts, as the doctor moved on to the eye exam. "With that being done, we can take him home now, right? You can give me his meds and instructions for his care, and I'll sign him out since Cappy's not here."
"I still cannot advise you taking him from the hospital at this time," the doctor shook his head. "His condition is still…"
"Look, Doc," Tony cut in, "I get that you advise against it, but I hate hospitals, and the kid is obviously uncomfortable, so I'm gonna take him back to the tower and get the best doctor money can buy to come see him there. Now, give me the fuckin' papers, so I can get the fuck out of here."
Ammie: Okay, there ya go, hope it satisfies... Anyway, hope you enjoy and let me know what you think.
