Disclaimer: I own nothing, nada, nil, need I say more? All belongs to J.K Rowling, Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Marvel, and Disney
Warning: Cussing, mostly Tony and Clint but some of the others might join
A/N: Okay I am way late on this one. Unfortunately things have been busy. I meant to update sooner but there was moving to do then school started and I didn't have much free time.
I have had several reviews about Harry's age. So I have gone back and rewritten a few things. Another reason it took so long for this chapter to come out. I had to chunk things together so I could see where the discrepancies were, edit, then take everything apart again. I would advise going back and rereading from chapter one things should be a little smoother when the revisions have been posted which will probably be tomorrow. I did change a few things mostly Harry's age and the Minister's last name and first name sorta. His name has no real bearing so to appease some people I altered it. I waffled on the background again but this is the last time that will change from this point Harry is eighteen.
Also for various extras and excerpts from this story check out Finding Family Fragments. There is also a one-shot that should clear up any confusion on the background. Harry and Arya's trip through the city will be added as well. Once it's been written.
Harry sat in his room and flipped through the books he had bought. Arya, true to his word, had given Harry a brief tour of the wizarding areas in New York City. One of those places had been a bookstore. After the tour Arya started the lessons though he started with muggle subjects. Harry had been given a lesson on the American government and current events. He was quite certain two had not been on the original lesson plan. Now that he had a better idea on his current situation, he was going to kill Incipiens. The city was full of criminals with special abilities though there were heroes, such as the Avengers, to combat them.
"Dinner is ready." said JARVIS.
Harry rolled off his bed and stood up. He piled his books together then left the room. He walked upstairs, his fingers trailed across the railing. He slipped into the dining room and took his place at the table; the seating arrangement the same as it had been that morning. Harry wondered briefly why Coulson was still present. The man often dropped in for brief periods of time and never stayed more than a few hours.
Food was piled onto plates and eaten with enthusiasm. Forks clinked against glass. Conversation started to flow. Light bantering was traded back and forth. It was a notable difference from previous dinners which had consisted of arguments and barbed comments. It was calmer and there was a smaller threat of a fistfight occurring.
Harry poked at his food and pushed it around his plate. His mind still on his books as he tried to remember all the different facts. Arya had put an emphasis on history and potions, two of his weaker subjects. He saw Pepper looking at him worriedly and took a few bites to appease her. She smiled and turned her attention to Tony. Harry turned his attention to Coulson who was talking at Steve animatedly. He grinned. Coulson's obsession with Steve amused him.
"This is good, thanks Arya." said Harry.
The table looked at him in surprise. Harry didn't usually initiate a conversation, in fact he only spoke when answering a question or trying to break up a fight.
"No problem Harry, I did give you homework after all. I think we should probably cook in rotation.
"This is delicious," said Pepper.
"Thanks, it's a recipe I found while traveling in Japan. I'm glad it turned out so well." said Arya.
"It's good." said Clint.
"It's very good." said Natasha.
"Thanks." said Arya.
"And you were worried he would blow up the kitchen." said Tony.
"Tony!" said Pepper.
"Don't worry I don't mind, Pepper" said Arya.
"Well if it had gone bad we would be chasing dinner, or it would be chasing us," said Arya, "that happened once, got a bad charm in Peru"
Harry choked and Steve thumped him hard across the back. He took a cautious sip of water to clear his airways. Then glanced at Arya who tilted his chair backwards, balancing it on two legs.
"A bad charm?" said Pepper.
"Yeah, I think I may have pronounced the words wrong or perhaps I just got it mixed up with another spell. I try not to use magic in the kitchen unless I'm brewing," said Arya, "Whoops, I think I may have just spilled the magic beans"
Clint looked at Arya both his eyebrows rose. His head tilted as he examined the nonchalant tutor. Magic, well that was different. Perhaps their new guest was attempting a joke. Arya had already proven to have a sense of humor that rivaled Tony's. He waited for a punch line but it seemed none would be forthcoming. He already knew magic existed, to an extent, but had never heard it mentioned so blatantly. In fact from what he knew most magic users tended to be quite reticent about their abilities.
"Spell, as in Gandalf or Merlin spell?" said Bruce.
"Well I'm not supposed to say anything but I have no actual obligation not to, so I will say this, I would never use that kind of firepower in a kitchen," said Arya, "well at least not this one, but you didn't hear that from me."
Arya tilted his chair forward and started to eat. There was a moment of silence; the air filled with disbelief. Arya continued to eat. The rest of the table sat in contemplation for a few seconds. Thor shrugged it off and continued eating. Clint exchanged a silent conversation with Natasha. Tony regarded Arya with same intent as one putting together a puzzle. Bruce looked bemused. Steve looked at Arya in disbelief. Coulson wondered whether he should call Fury yet. Harry felt a headache coming on.
"There's no such thing as magic" said Tony.
"Really you're sitting across from a god and you're telling me there's no such thing as magic? I suppose Loki wasn't real then either." said Arya. He cocked an eyebrow at Tony.
"Arya." said Harry.
The table went silent as everyone looked at him and he blushed. He shifted in his seat slightly and kept his eyes on the table. He couldn't believe that the existence of magic had been announced so blatantly. He wasn't sure how to deal with this, after all on one hand he didn't have to worry about keeping his magic hidden. He fingered the band on his wrist and wondered if Neo would take it off. Unless the Minister decided to have the team obliviated though Harry doubted that would work.
"You're in on it too?" said Tony.
"Chill, Harry," said Arya, "I am not restricted by the Statue of Secrecy, or at least not in the same way most people are, eh, it's a bit of a long explanation."
"What?" asked Harry.
"It's a bit of a long story, one I'd rather not go into at the moment. I imagine the whole magic thing is the more important subject." said Arya.
"Fury is not going to be pleased." said Coulson.
"Ole Patchy won't mind he has probably been plotting different ways to tell you without ramifications. Better that to know now then learn it later. Plus it's really inconvenient to try keeping such a large secret" said Arya.
"Patchy?" said Bruce.
"Well, all he's missing is the peg leg and parrot." said Arya.
Tony cackled. Harry snorted, he was certain that Fury would now be on the receiving end of many pirate jokes.
"So are you magical?" asked Bruce.
"Yeah, I confess, we prefer the term wizards though, witches for girls," said Arya, "you can ask questions you know I expect, aside from Thor, and none of you really know much about magic."
"I did not know any Seidhr* still resided on Midgard" said Thor
"Yeah well for the most part magic users are sort of secretive, hence the whole 'you didn't hear any of this from me' defense," said Arya, "speaking of which if anyone asks I was interrogated, intensely, with sharks and maybe some piranhas."
"So a cult." said Tony.
"Pretty much, well at least Britain is. It does tend to differ from place to place." said Arya
"Why hide?" asked Steve.
"Well it started with the witch hunts even though the only people who died weren't magical at all. I can actually give you some books on that subject," said Arya, "and some point after that the Statute of Secrecy was developed a law that makes it illegal to reveal the existence of magic, something that most magical governments impose, I think the only exception is Japan."
"There's a magical government?" asked Steve.
"Yup, but again it depends on the country, for example, America doesn't have a magical government of its own. The British government or the Ministry of Magic controls both America and Britain." Arya tilted his chair back again.
"Why doesn't America have their own government?" asked Bruce.
"It's because we lost half of the Revolutionary War. In fact, not that I think about it the Revolutionary War was technically a draw since both sides won one aspect of the War." Arya said.
"So what exactly can you do?" Tony asked; he raised an eyebrow at Arya.
"Well we are a wand waving, broom riding, hat wearing, and cauldron stirring people," said Arya seriously, "we also cackle when the moon is just right and sacrifice unsuspecting virgins on full moons."
"He's kidding about that last one. Totally joking, right Arya?" said Harry.
Harry glared at Arya who shrugged. Harry glanced around the table. It seemed like only Clint and his partner could tell that Arya was joking. The others realized after a few seconds that this was another show of Arya's humor.
"I don't think anyone in this tower has to worry about that anyway. well except maybe Harry." said Arya.
"Arya!" said Harry.
"I'm kidding, kidding. I don't use people in my potions usually." said Arya.
"Ri-ight, what usually goes into potions?" said Bruce.
"Shakespeare was actually uncannily accurate there. Though it is unnecessary to chant and cackle while brewing though it can be quite therapeutic." said Arya.
"Are we sure he's sane?" asked Clint.
"I've been tested and I can assure I fit within the minimum standards of sanity." Arya said with a grin to rival the Cheshire cat.
"That is really reassuring" said Bruce.
"I should think it would be I'm surprised you didn't read my file it's all in there, or I think it is," said Arya, "It should be at any rate. I mean there might be a few things I forgot or Patchy just didn't need to know."
"Do you work for SHIELD?" asked Tony.
"No, I just wrote the file for them. I would hate to think of Patch and the SHIELD-ites not having the proper information," said Arya, "And I haven't got anything to hide with one or two exceptions that is"
"You wrote your own file?" asked Bruce.
"Yeah, how else could I be sure they didn't have the wrong information besides I cover my tracks well SHIELD doesn't have as much as they would like on me. Just petty intel and that can be faked pretty easy," said Arya, "though they could have more Patchy is pretty sneaky. He is a pirate after all"
"Is there anything else we should know?" asked Clint.
"The sky is green except when it's blue" said Arya.
"Not what I meant" said Clint.
"Well, I don't think so. I know there will be more questions but a lot of them will be answered on the fieldtrip tomorrow. I've already sent Patchy a notification so he can sign the permission slips. I've already gotten permission though I even chartered a bus" said Arya
"A bus?" asked Steve.
"Yeah the magic bus although Mrs. Frizzle is sadly not our conductor" said Arya.
Harry noticed that the entire table was staring at Arya. He wasn't sure if the man wasn't all there or if he just enjoyed making people mad. It was probably a combination of both. Harry was also certain that Arya had already planned the dinner out to some extent. It was a little too convenient that Arya managed to accidentally slip and Arya was spouting answers with no resistance.
"I'm not doing anything hurtful," said Arya, "sides it's not like they'll do an Agent K on this lot, it might damage something"
Harry started as he saw Arya's eyes flash and he was certain that their color had changed. He looked again and saw that Arya's eyes were their normal color, dark brown. His hair was a few shades lighter as well; it was now a medium brown. Harry blinked and Arya looked the same as he had earlier. He made a mental note to question Arya about it later.
"Do you take anything seriously?" asked Clint.
"I am taking this serious and I can be seriously serious," said Arya, "when I want. K-9 serious even though I prefer felines. For example I don't expect any of you to believe me without a demonstration so without further ado: I give you a real show stopping dessert!"
On Arya's last word the door to the kitchen slammed open. The sound of violin drifted in, after a few moments it was accompanied by several other instruments in a familiar tune. A silver serving cart rolled out. It was bare aside from a golden candelabra with three lit candles. After a moment the candelabra blinked as did everyone at the table aside from Harry, Arya, Natasha, and Coulson. The music quieted and it there were several audible clicks as the candelabra started to move. It hopped off the cart and onto the table. The table had been emptied as even during the discussion everyone had continued to eat until they were full.
The Avengers and guests were then treated to dessert and a show. Harry watched with mild amusement as the jaws of everyone except himself, Arya, Thor, Natasha, and Coulson hit the table. The candelabra danced, sang, and lead the entire show. The plates were singing, the champagne glasses waltzed, the forks danced the cancan, and the spoons dived into the punch bowl. After the spoons finished their synchronized swimming routine the plates and utensils laid down on the table, utterly still. The music faded and left complete silence in its wake.
"What the hell was that?" Clint said as he goggled at the lifeless silverware.
"Holy crap, how did you do that?" said Tony.
"Quite the show wizard" said Thor.
He grabbed the nearest plate and began turning it over in his hands while Bruce did the same with a fork. The rest of the table stared at the once lively dinnerware. Thor shrugged it off and helped himself to a large amount of blueberry cobbler. Not the least bothered by the fact that the cobbler had been mobile only seconds before. Harry poked the treacle pudding with a fork, and when it failed to react, added some to his plate. Steve followed Harry's example and poked the apple pie a few times and cut a slice when it stayed inert. Natasha, Clint, and Coulson didn't touch a single thing on the table.
"Relax it's not going to come alive and eat you. Trust me you'd know if that was going to happen. Man-eating food tends to be a bit violent, especially marshmallows." said Arya.
"I don't want to know how you know that." said Harry.
"You really don't. It is not pretty" said Arya.
"What exactly can magic do?" asked Bruce.
"Well there are only three things to remember, magic can't bring back the dead, magic can't create real love, and attempting to break rule one or two can be cataclysmic." said Arya.
"So there aren't any limits?" said Bruce.
"Well there are they're just really flexible," said Arya.
"Fascinating." said Bruce.
"Yes and as I've said before there are several books on the subject many of which Harry will be reading as well. Hogwarts didn't really have the most rounded curriculum." said Arya.
"Great." said Harry.
"Well if that's it then I need to disenchant the kitchen then I'm going to bed I suggest all of you do the same because we are going to be getting up early tomorrow. So I bid you all a fond good night." said Arya.
He stood up and walked into the kitchen. The rest of the table contemplated everything they had just learned.
A/N 2:Due to the mixed but generally negative responses I've been getting I have made the executive decision to axe Neo. That and I had a bit of an inspiration on how to get rid of him. This will be revealed in a few chapters and while it may be a trifle elaborate I think it's fitting. Dawn will be sticking around for a little longer but she will eventually make her departure as well. I do not want to get rid of Arya as I have a lot invested in the character. I will if it's necessary, but Arya plays a rather large role in things. I know that he seems a little off his rocker but he's sane I swear.
I wasn't sure about the dessert but I figured go big or go home. I really couldn't help myself. Also there were a few Easter eggs here, but they're fairly obvious. I've placed a hint or two about Arya's parentage but that won't be revealed 'til later. I also realized that I hadn't given Arya a description so I had to add it in. I'm also adding at a tie-in/influences from another series in respect to how magic works.
* I didn't know what the Norse equivalent for wizard of was so I had to look it up this was one of the terms I found. I also found vitli, but I think I've seen Seidhr so I chose it instead. On another note there won't be much on the X-Men aside from Logan for a while. And only a few appearances from him. I want to focus on Harry and the Avengers before I start adding other heroes to the mix. I already have a better idea on how the arcs are gonna work.
Also thoughts are welcome I was so nervous to post this because I was afraid people would think it sucks. So fingers crossed, I mean I like it and that sort of counts or at least I think it does. I know there are still a lot of grammatical kinks to work out but aside from that I think events are starting to pick up. Next chapter will be out a lot faster than this one mostly because it's like more than halfway finished.
I have also started a creative writing class. The class is focused on art literature and not genre fiction so I was stumped for a while as I debated what aspects from my classes could be applied here. The thing I found most frustrating was deciding how much subtlety I should employ. After all this story is read and written for fun. That said I would like to state that this is fanfiction and I have creative license to make this story what I will.