Harry Barton
AN: Wow so much positive response, thank you all who reviewed this story.
I feel that I should point out that SHIELD and by extension the Avenger team know about magic. This is why I haven't included a part where Harry has to make them all believe in it.
Well this chapter was a pain to write. I don't know why but it just didn't seem to want to flow.
Skendo: Logan and Storm will come into this story at some point, as will various other members of the x-men, but there wouldn't have been any point bring them in as they couldn't have helped.
HarnGin: Yes Harry did magic, first chapter only mentioned it briefly.
In this story Dumbledore is manipulative, and Snape is only looking out for himself hoping to end up on the winning side.
Big thank you to everyone who pointed out spelling and grammar mistakes, I do have plans to go back and change them when I have time.
Chapter 5: Changes and Gods
Harry awoke slowly, his head was pounding and he felt sore as if he'd just been thrown through a wall by his uncle. He groaned an tried to open his eyes, but someone slipped glasses over his eyes before he could "Wha..." he was confused then the memories of the past two days came rushing back.
He opened his eyes to see Pepper's concerned face looking down at him. "Pepper? What happened?" she smiled and ruffled his hair. "Let me go get your dad and everyone else, they've all been really worried about you"
She stood up to leave when JARVIS announced "I have already alerted them Miss Potts, they are on their way now" she smiled and sat back down next to Harry's bed.
Harry sat up and this time Pepper let him he reached up and brushed the hair off his forehead and froze when his fingers touched where his scar used to be. "It's gone" his whispered in amazement. He smiled and started laughing with joy. Pepper couldn't but smile at his unbridled enthusiasm about something seemingly so insignificance.
"Harry!" he looked up to see Clint, his dad almost run into the room, he paused for a second not sure how to react but a single glance from Pepper and a tilt from her head told him all he need to know and he crossed the remaining distance between them and pulled Harry into a hug Harry froze for a moment not really sure how to react, but slowly he hugged Clint back.
Clint moved back smiling and sat on the side of the bed "I was worried about you kid, you were out for a long time"
If it was possible Harry's smile got even wider, he couldn't ever remember someone caring enough about to to worry about him when he was hurt. "I'm fine Clint...dad, really I'm just confused, what happened?" Clint's eyes opened wide, and the suspicion of tears found their way to the edges of his eyes when Harry called him dad
Pepper smiled a stepped out she noticed everyone else standing there awkwardly, she just smiled and closed the door "I think we should leave them for a bit".
Tony looked as if he wanted to protest but Natasha laid a warning hand on his arm and lead him away.
Bruce looked at Pepper "He's Ok right?" He had taken a shine to the shy boy over the past couple of days. Pepper nodded smiling at his concern "He'll be fine." Bruce nodded "Good" and then turned and followed Tony and Natasha, with Pepper a couple of steps behind him.
Clint sat on the edge of the bed, he was smiling properly for the first time since Harry had fallen unconscious, he'd been too worried.
"How are you feeling?" He asked "I'm fine" Harry replied, Clint just gave him a look which told him that he didn't believe Harry. "Sorry" he muttered "I'm not used to anyone caring"
Clint smiled sadly and pulled Harry into a hug. "Well you never have to worry about that again" he heard Harry whisper his thanks and he hugged Clint back.
Harry pulled back and looked at Clint realising that he was still waiting for a proper answer about how he was feeling. "My head hurts and I'm sore but nothing I'm not used to" Clint narrowed his eyes slightly at that last part but nodded.
Harry's stomach rumbled loudly and he blushed slightly. Clint just smiled slightly "well that's to be expected, you've been out for about two days"
Harry's eyes widened at this. He hadn't thought he had been out of that long. "Come on, lets go get you something to eat" Harry nodded and Clint stood up.
"Umm dad" Harry sounded nervous. Clint turned and looked at him
"What's going on between you and Natasha?" Clint blinked, and the sighed he should have expected this sooner or later, he thought that now was a good as a time as any to tell Harry.
He sat back down "Well you see me and Natasha, were seeing each other" Harry looked confused "You mean as in dating?" He asked.
Clint nodded "But no-one else knows" "Why not?" Harry was confused "Because of her past, things she's never told anyone, and also because of you" Harry look scared "Because of me" his voice small and worried. "We didn't know how you would react, she didn't want to replace your mother" Clint looked nervous at this last part.
Harry's face filled with comprehension. "Well do you love her?" Clint smiled "I think I do"
Harry nodded "Well I think she'll be good for you, even if she is a bit scary at times" Clint looked at him in amazement "You really don't mind?"
Harry shock his head "As long as your happy and she doesn't hurt you then I don't mind" Clint smiled gratefully.
"Not that I could really do anything if she did hurt you" The smile on Harry's face made Clint realise a joke and he had to laugh slightly, pleased that his son didn't mind.
Harry hopped out of bed "Now what about something to eat" Clint just laughed glad that his son was adapting to his new life.
Harry looked up at his father as they entered the Dining hall when he saw a man he didn't know sitting comfortably on the couch looking out of the window. "Hey Steve" Clint called out, the man turned his head and Harry was reminded of Dumbledore's piercing gaze as the man's light blue eyes fell upon him, he felt as if he was being examined in some way, sized up to see his worth. At that point he realised who he was looking at.
"Steve this is my son Harry" the man, Steve stood up and smiled warmly and crossed the room with assured strides to greet Harry "Harry this is Steve Rodgers, Also known as Captain America" Harry's eyes opened wide when his suspicions where confirmed, he was meeting one of the greatest Hero's of all time.
He blushed in embarrassment when he realised he was staring. But Steve just laughed lightly and smiled "Nice to meet you Harry" Harry mumbled back "Nice to meet you too" still slightly star struck.
Tony just scowled in mock hurt "He didn't act this way when he met me" he pouted. Clint just rolled his eyes "Ignore him, he gets grouchy if no-ones paid him any attention for awhile." This just cause everyone to laugh and Tony to huff
"Well I'm hungry" He said trying to distract everyone "Who's up for ordering Pizza?" Everyone nodded excitedly and Tony turned to Harry "Since you've been asleep for two days you get first pick" At this Harry just looked at the floor and said in a small voice "I've never had Pizza before" "What" Tony shouted in outrage, making Harry flinch slightly.
"This is an outrage, a boy your age never having pizza or the despicable things" Tony moved across to his laptop still muttering about someone could never have had pizza before. "Ok well I'll just order the usual then" he nodded to himself.
Clint watched Natasha slip out of the room and glancing around he noticed everyone was distracted so he followed he quickly. He caught up with her just as she was about to enter the gym. He grabbed her by the arm and spun her into the wall kissing her hard.
Natasha had raised her hand ready to hurt whoever had grab her but when she felt Clint's lips on her own that hand found its way to the back of his head and she ran her fingers through his hair. She moaned slightly at the loss as he pulled away.
"You prat" she said hitting him lightly on the chest "I thought we agreed to keep this a secret, if you keep doing that someone's going to catch us" Clint just smiled and kissed her lightly "Let them, I don't care" he whispered to her.
She pushed him backwards "But what about Harry?" Clint looked her in the eye "He already knows" A look of annoyance flashed across Natasha's face "You told him?" she hissed.
"No, he asked if we were dating, I couldn't lie to him" Clint replied honestly.
She relaxed at these words, and smiled slightly "He's more observed then I realised" she looked nervous all of a sudden "he is fine with this right?" she asked.
Clint nodded "He even said he was happy for us, and shouldn't care what other people think" Natasha nodded "Ok, well if someone catches us then fine we will deal with it then., but I'm not ready to announce it yet, its kind of fun just have each other to ourselves" Clint smiled "What ever you want Nat" He said as he lowered his had and kissed her again.
Back in the Dining Hall Harry looked around for his dad, he was slightly worried before he realised Natasha was missing as well. A small private smile crossed his lips.
He guessed that Clint would be telling Natasha that he, Harry knew about them.
"Right" Tony's voice and the clap on hands brought everyone's attention back to him "Pizza's ordered, what shall we do while we wait?" Looking around Harry realised the people from yesterday weren't here, he was annoyed that he couldn't remember their names "Tony" He asked "Where's...Charles? And his friends?" Tony looked confused for a moment before Pepper spoke up "Charles wanted to go visit an old friend and Scott and Jean went with them, don't worry they'll be back later" Harry nodded please he would get the chance to thank the people who helped him.
Hermione rushed into the library excitement in her voice "Guys I found Hedwig" She announced to the room. Sirius and Remus looked up from the book they were reading "Where was she" Remus asked.
"I dunno, she just flew in through the window a few moments ago"
Remus nodded "Do you think she'll be able to find Harry" Sirius asked. Hedwig turned her head and stared at him with slight annoyance, she obviously thought that she could. Hermione just smiled "Of course she can, she's the smartest owl I've ever met" At this Hedwig puff up her chest and glared at them as if daring to contradict her.
Remus shook his head wondering how Harry Potter of all people ended up with an owl with an attitude, but then knowing who he was that didn't really surprise him.
Neither Remus nor Sirius were worried about Harry, they knew he was smart and wouldn't do anything stupid. No what they were worried about was that it was meant to be impossible for James to be his father, and if he wasn't they didn't know where that left them in Harry's life.
"Right" Sirius' voice snapped Remus out of his thoughts "well here's the letter Hedwig, just make sure it gets to Harry safe Ok"
Hedwig gave a hoot and nipped Sirius lightly on the ear before flying out of the window and into the morning sun.
In Asgard's throne room Thor stood before his Father, worried about his plan but elated that his brother would gain the chance to redeem himself. But still he had to check,ensure Midgard and Jane would be in no danger.
"Father are you sure about this" Thor asked, he was more worried then he would admit. The all-father, his father, Odin nodded "I am sure, and my decision has been made, Loki will return to Midgard without his powers, it worked for you, it will work for him" Thor nodded, his fathers word was law and there was nothing he could do about it...
Expect "Father I request that I may go with him" The all-father looked at his Son sharply his gaze piercing. "Why do you wish to return my son?" he asked "Loki's my brother, in all but blood and someone needs to keep an eye on it, I also wish for your relationship to return to what it was when we were younger and played together"
The all-father's gaze softened and he looked at his son with pride. "My son you may accompany Loki to Midgard, keep an eye on him if you would" Thor nodded "Thank you father" he said with a short bow.
The all-father smiled "It would seem this human, Jane, is good for you my son" Thor's gaze snapped upwards looking at his father in shock. "Heimdall told me, and from what I've seen I approve, you need to bring her here before too long, your mother is anxious to meet her" Thor nodded his head in consent "I will father, now I will take my leave and go find my brother"
With another short bow he left the throne room. Odin smile a bright smile that only his wife Frigga had seen, he was proud of his son, more proud then he could ever have imagined.
Dumbledore was furious it had been five days since Harry had disappeared and he was no closer to finding out where he had gone or what had happened to him. Snape still hadn't returned and he was worried about the safety of his spy.
But that worry could wait, for now he need to concentrate and work out how to rebuild the wards around privet drive. He needed Harry where we could watch him, needed him to make the ultimate sacrifice for the wizarding world and once Harry had done that, he Albus Dumbledore would be able to finish this war by ending Voldemort and he would become the only person in history known for defeating two dark lords, his name would become bigger than Merlin's.
Dumbledore smiled to himself, yes then everything would be right with the world and he could shape it to ensure there would be ever lasting peace.
Dumbledore's office door swung open and Severus Snape walked into the office he looked tired as if he had been awake for several days.
"Severus" Dumbledore's voice betrayed the worry he felt for his spy, not his life but the information that he brought. With a casual wave of his wand he conjured a couch and Snape sank into it gratefully. Dumbledore waiting allowing Snape to regain some control, he could have started demanding questions and he could have got the answer, but better everyone think him the caring grandfatherly figure he so hated until it was too late.
Once Snape had regain his composure Dumbledore signalled to him to talk. Snape began to speak, haltingly he explain how two nights ago Voldemort had collapse in great pain, pain which seemed to come from with his magic core, and there was nothing he could do but try and relieve that pain. Snape paused at this point "What is it Severus" Dumbledore used his grandfather voice, the one he used when he wanted students to trust him.
"A lot of the junior members of his followers saw him in pain, I believe that they no longer fear him as they once did, I worry that once he learns of this he will start punishing them more. He's taking failure harder as well, becoming more erratic." Dumbledore looked pensive the less control Voldemort had the more chance of him ordering a whole scale attack, one which could devastate magical Britain.
"What about Harry" Snape's face sneered "What about him" he spat "No-ones heard or seen him since he disappeared a week ago"
Dumbledore sighed, the longer Harry was missing the greater chance that he would be captured, or worse would find out the truth about what he, Dumbledore had been doing in the back of his mind he knew it was wrong, but he ignored it, just as he ignored the warnings from his phoenix, had be been paying attention he would have noticed the bond between them was weakening. But he wasn't all that mattered was the plan and the greater good.
They were all gathered around the table, left over pizza boxes strewn across it. Charles had just finished explaining to Harry what had happened when Jean had entered his mind, while he was over joyed that the part of Voldemort had gone he was worried about the effect it might have on his magic. "Is my magic going to be affected?" he asked.
Charles looked at Harry "You're magical core is gone, technically your no longer a wizard"
"So what are you saying my magic's gone?" Harry asked, he was worried, he didn't want to lose his magic it was part of him, it was what had kept him alive these past years.
"No Harry" replied "Not gone, just changed, I believe that your magical core was broken and the magic bled into your DNA" At the Harry lost the worry in his face and replaced it with confusion.
"Do you know how its changed" Charles nodded "To some extent yes"
Tony interrupted them before he could continue however "How do you know, I mean your not a wizard" Charles smiled unconcerned by the interruption "No I'm not but my telepathy allows me to feel magic and I can feel that his has changed"
Tony just opened his mouth slightly and then closed it realising he should have been able to figure that out. "Now if there are no more questions" Charles looked pointedly at Tony as he said this "Right as I was saying your magic will change, I don't entirely know how, I've contacted someone who knows more about this then I do and I shall see if she is able to help you. What I do know is that you'll find some magic a lot harder or even impossible to do now and some will come naturally. Also believe that it will become more instinctual and react more to what you want your magic to do rather than what you command it to do. Now if you would do some magic with your wand"
Charles passed Harry is wand. Harry tired several spells, summoning, and levitation but nothing worked. Charles nodded "it's as I thought your magic has changed to much, as such I do not believe you'll need a wand anymore"
Harry was stunned "This means I never have to return to Hogwarts again?" Charles smiled at the hopeful look in Harry's eyes.
"Not if you don't wish to, but I would suggest visiting your bank as soon as possible, especially if your planning on leaving the magical world behind"
At this Tony could no longer keep himself quiet "The wizards have there own bank...cool, can I come"
Harry smirked "I dunno, its run by goblins, they don't take kindly to people looking down on them" Tony opened and closed his mouth several times before setting on a smirk "Cool" clearly thinking of meeting them.
Pepper put all that out of his mind though with a slap to the back of the head and told him in no uncertain terms that he would not be going as he would most likely end up insulting them and making a nuisance of himself.
At this Tony started to sulk and consoled himself by starting to make changes to the design of his latest invention, something that even Pepper didn't know what it was.
Charles gave a signal to Jean and Scott and they rose to leave. "Well it was nice to meet you all, but we must be getting back to the school."
Bruce smiled and stood "I was good to see you too old friend" He reached down and embraced Charles lightly. "Mr Stark, Miss Potts I hope we meet again"
Tony smiled and nodded still total engrossed in what he was doing. Pepper stepped forwards and shook all of their hands whilst sending a exasperated yet caring look towards Tony. Natasha just stood off to one side, not really comfortably with people she didn't know so she just nodded.
Charles wheeled his chair forward and stuck his hand out to Harry "It was a pleasure meeting you, don't hesitate to call if you need our help" Harry smiled and took the older man's hand only for a jolt of electricity to pass between them and cause the professor to fall back in surprise. Everyone jumped and this and Jean moved the the professors side checking he was Ok.
Clint moved quickly to his sons side who was now staring at his hand in fear. Bruce, Natasha and Scott just looked on with worry. "I'm sorry Professor, I don't what happen, I Swear I didn't mean it" Harry spoke rapidly fear in his voice.
"I'm fine Jean" Charles turned to Harry "Harry what just happened wasn't your fault, I believe that it was your primary power starting to manifest"
He looked thoughtful "actually a similar thing happened when I met Ororo Munroe however her power is different, but yours might be similar just with extras if you will." Charles nodded to them all.
Clint stepped forward "Charles, Jean, Scott" he said "Thank you for all that you've done, if there's anything I can do to repay you just say" Charles smiled and nodded.
"Thank you, but all you need to do is keep an eye on your son, if his powers start to lose control then all you have to do is call and I shall come to help" Clint smiled gratitude in his eyes. This time the goodbyes weren't interrupted and the three mutants left the building.
They all sat there kind of stunned by what they had learnt. Steve was the first to speak "Well that was an interesting conversation, what happens from here?" Harry looked around the room, he wasn't sure.
Pepper came to his rescue, the voice of reason as normal "Well first off you should probably go to this bank with Clint Harry and see about your finances" Harry nodded then looked at Clint "Dad, do you know anything about finances?" He asked.
Clint gave a wry smile "Nope not a thing" Harry then looked at Pepper "Could you come with yes, please?" he asked in a small voice. Pepper smiled instantly "I would love too" Tony just rolled his eyes "Hey she's supposed to be my assistant" he said indignantly. Pepper just smiled and patted his knee.
She spoke up again "Afterwards I was think we should probably go buy Harry some clothes that actually fit him"
At this Tony shook his head "Nope count me out" He turned to Bruce "Do you want to help me in the lab tomorrow" He asked him Bruce nodded quickly wanting to get out of a shopping trip with Pepper.
"I'm in" Said Natasha from where she was sitting "Someone has to help you stop them from running off" Pepper nodded.
Clint sighed "I guess I'll tag along too." Secretly he was looking forward to being able to buy things for his son, he also wanted to be able to show Harry around New York.
"Is it Ok if I tag along?" Steve asked. "Sure" Pepper and Harry both answered at the same time. Tony just looked stunned "You want to go shopping?" he asked in amazement.
Steve just shrugged "sure, I'm still adjusting, the more time I spend out in the city the better it is for me, anyway I can't let Clint do this on his own" He said with a smile at the last part.
"Good" Pepper said. "It's all decided, now what shall we do about dinner?"
Thor and Lady Sif stood off to one side with Odin and Heimdall spoke to Loki.
"You're not going to be a stranger are you?" Lady Sif asked. Thor turned to and smiled "I would never dream of it, and your always welcome to come visit on earth"
Sif nodded she was saddened that she hadn't won Thor's heart but could see that he had eyes only for the Midgardian Jane.
"Thor" Odin spoke with that one word it told Thor that Loki was ready to leave. Thor bowed slightly to Lady Sif "I hope I shall see you again soon" with those parting words he turned and joined Loki.
"Ready Brother" He asked his voice filled with joy at the thought of seeing Jane again. "Oh yes so much fun it will be traipsing around earth without my powers and just my dear brother for decent company" Loki's voice was filled with sarcasm.
Thor turned and nodded to Heimdall indicating they were ready. The Bifrost was opened and Thor and Loki were flung across the universe heading for earth.
AN: Another chapter down. Please read and review. Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I think I know where I want this story to go, if it actually ends up there we'll have to wait and see.