DISCLAIMER: All the characters used in this story belong to Marvel and Warner Bros.
A/N: Thank you for all the reviews, guys, I appreciate it and thank you for the people that followed the story. Sorry that it took me this long, I hit a writer's block and was busy with other things.
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"Damn it, this is frustrating," Harry grumbled after he failed another shot at the frisbees that Jean was currently throwing at him. He had been practicing a specific spell that he had discovered in his family grimoire. The spell had the power to make objects or subjects explode from the inside out upon impact. Harry had no intention of using it on people, as that would be lethal, but he believed it could prove useful in situations where they found themselves trapped during their Danger Room sessions or out on missions.
"We should take a break. We've been at this for like four hours now." Jean said, placing a hand on her waist and lifting an eyebrow.
"Come on, just a little bit more!" Harry yelled from across the training area. "I'll make you lunch, I swear!"
Jean let out a small sigh. She wanted to refuse, but she couldn't deny that Harry was a talented cook, and the thought of a delicious meal enticed her. Giving in, she nodded and used her telekinetic powers to throw a couple more frisbees at Harry's direction.
Harry swiftly reacted, casting spells to intercept the incoming frisbees with agility and precision. His hands moved expertly as he attempted to neutralize each projectile.
Jean watched with anticipation as Harry focused his magic and prepared to cast the spell. She threw the final frisbee, its trajectory aimed directly at Harry. With a burst of energy, he channeled all his magic into his right hand, his eyes fixed on the target.
As the frisbee soared through the air, Harry's hand moved with precision and determination, fueled by his surging magical energy. With a flick of his wrist, he released the spell towards the incoming projectile.
The spell struck the frisbee, and Harry waited with bated breath for something to happen. However, to his disappointment, nothing happened. He let out a sigh of frustration, feeling defeated. "It's useless," he muttered, his voice tinged with disappointment. "This spell is too advance
Jean walked over and placed a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder. "Hey, don't be so hard on yourself," she said softly. "Mastering magic takes time and practice. You've come a long way already, and you'll continue to improve. Keep practicing, and you'll get there."
"Thanks, Jean," Harry smiled and pulled her into a one-armed hug. He released her and gave a confident smile.
Jean nodded, her smirk transforming into a playful smile. "Now, about what you said... You were going to make me lunch?" She placed a hand on her chin.
The boy chuckled, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Yeah, I guess I did. You deserve it just as much for helping me throughout the day." He walked past her, heading towards the kitchen.
Jean followed him, playfully nudging his shoulder. "Well, don't take too long. I'm hungry, you know."
Harry winked at her. "Don't worry, Jean. I've got something special in mind for our meal."
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Scene Break
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Scott, Jean, and Harry entered the Danger Room. The simulation activated, and they found themselves standing in a dark, dingy alleyway. Scott took the lead, carefully surveying the location the room had placed them in.
"HELPPP!"
The three of them startled at the sudden yell echoing from afar. "Come on, guys!" Scott waved at his companions and quickly made his way towards the source of the voice.
"Wait, Scott" Harry sighed with frustration, reluctantly trailing behind Scott, while Jean followed closely behind him.
"Sorry, Harry, but we need to hurry up. The person might be in serious danger," Scott said urgently before increasing his pace. They reached the building where the voice was coming from. "Okay, Harry, you go in through the back door, and I'll cover this entrance. You're better at sneaking around than me," Scott instructed, turning to face Harry.
"Wait, what am I supposed to do?" Jean asked, raising an eyebrow. "Am I just supposed to stand here and wait while you guys handle everything?"
Scott sighed, his shoulders slumping. He knew this debate was inevitable. "Jean, we need you here for reconnaissance," he said, his voice tinged with concern. "If more enemies show up, we'll need your telepathic abilities to detect their presence and gather information. It's crucial for our strategy and everyone's safety"
Jean crossed her arms, her expression stubborn. "Scott, I understand your concern, but I can handle myself out there. I can help on the field."
Scott turned back and walked toward the front door, frustration evident in his voice. "We need to find a balance, Jean. Your safety is important, and we can't risk losing you. Trust us to handle the immediate threat, and you can support us from here" with that he went inside.
Jean scowled, her frustration evident on her face. Harry instinctively placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, offering reassurance. "Don't worry, Jean, we'll talk to Scott about including you more in the field. But for now, let's focus on the task at hand. I'll go in, and you keep us informed if there's any imminent danger, alright?"
She took a deep breath, her scowl softening as she nodded. "Okay, Harry. Be careful in there, and let me know if you need any backup. I've got your back" With a nod of gratitude, Harry made his way toward the entrance, while Jean took a step back to monitor the situation from a safe distance.
The interior of the building was enveloped in darkness, illuminated only by a single flickering light hanging from the ceiling. In the center of the room, Harry's eyes were drawn to a distressed woman, tied to a chair and visibly in distress. As he cautiously stepped forward, he noticed Scott in his peripheral vision, gesturing for him to stay where he was.
Shifting his focus away from the distressed woman, Harry surveyed the rest of the building. At first glance, it appeared to be devoid of any other occupants, leaving only the three of them inside. However, Harry had learned to never take appearances at face value. With a heightened sense of caution, he remained vigilant.
Scott cautiously approached the tied-up woman, gesturing for her to remain quiet with a finger pressed against his lips. As he neared, he carefully directed a precise optic blast to sever the bindings around her wrists. However, before he could initiate a conversation with her, she mysteriously vanished, leaving him standing alone in the center of the room. "Uhh, Harry?" he called out, his voice tinged with concern. He turned towards the spot where he had last seen his teammate, only to find it empty. It was clear now that they had fallen right into a trap.
"Argh!" Scott heard a grunt from another room and immediately rushed towards it. As he entered, he saw Harry grappling with a large robot. He fired a blast at it, sending it flying across the room and causing it to disintegrate."Thanks, Scott. We should head back outside and make sure Jean is safe," Harry said, catching his breath. Scott nodded in agreement, and together they quickly made their way back outside.
Jean was skillfully throwing some smaller bots around and smashing them together. However, the increasing number of opponents was becoming overwhelming. Catching her breath, she called out to Harry and Scott. "Hey, guys, mind giving me a little help!?" she exclaimed, briefly distracted before being struck by a projectile. Jean retaliated by grabbing a nearby trash can and hurling it with force at the offending bot, taking it down.
The two boys, Harry and Scott, engaged the bots with determination. Harry unleashed a flurry of hexes, quickly incapacitating a significant number of them. Meanwhile, Scott took down the bots from afar. The trio fought valiantly, holding their ground against the relentless onslaught. However, the constant wave of bots began to take its toll, and fatigue started to set in. Despite their efforts, the bots seemed to multiply endlessly.
As the number of bots dwindled and eventually vanished, Harry let out a sarcastic comment, gasping for breath. "That was easy," he remarked, trying to catch his breath. However, their relief was short-lived as the ground beneath them trembled, and the echoing sound of heavy footsteps filled the air.
The trio's hearts skipped a beat as they turned their attention towards the source of the disturbance. Emerging from around the building was an enormous robot, towering above them all. Its menacing red eyes fixated on the trio, and in an instant, its cannon arms were aimed directly at them.
Adrenaline surged through their veins as Harry, Jean, and Scott instinctively sought cover, desperately brainstorming a plan to neutralize the colossal threat. Their minds raced, analyzing the robot's design, looking for weaknesses, any vulnerable spot they could exploit.
In the face of imminent danger, their determination burned bright. They silently communicated, their eyes locking in unspoken understanding. They knew that their survival hinged on their ability to work together as a team.
Scott's eyes blazed with determination as he devised a plan. With a swift hand gesture, he signaled his teammates, "Okay, now we're getting serious. Jean, Harry, I want you both to distract the robot and keep its attention on you. Create as much chaos as possible. I'll try to get close and target its weak spot from behind its head."
Harry raised his hand, a spark of determination in his eyes. "I have an idea. Why don't you and Jean keep the robot distracted while I try and get a good shot ? Trust me, it could work," he suggested, looking at Jean and noticing the gleam in her eyes that indicated she understood his plan, although he saw a hint of worry.
Scott hesitated for a moment, assessing the situation. He knew Harry's capabilities and trusted his judgment. Nodding, he replied, "Alright, Harry. I'll trust you. Jean, let's create as much chaos as we can to keep that robot's attention on us. Harry, make your move when the time is right."
With the plan set, the three mutants sprung into action. Scott and Jean unleashed their powers, launching a relentless barrage of attacks at the robot. Jean used her telekinesis to manipulate objects, hurling them towards the robot with incredible force. Scott unleashed his optic blasts, precisely targeting the robot's vulnerable areas.
As the robot focused on defending itself against Scott and Jean's relentless assault, Harry saw an opening. With his heart pounding, he carefully maneuvered into position, his mind focused on his family spell. He had practiced it countless times, failing with each attempt. But he was determined to make it work this time. With unwavering concentration, he gathered his strength and unleashed the spell, directing it towards the vulnerable spot he had identified.
A brilliant surge of magical energy erupted from Harry's outstretched hand, colliding with the robot. The impact caused a powerful explosion from inside its core, shaking the ground beneath them. The robot staggered and faltered under the force of the spell, its defenses momentarily compromised.
Seeing the opportunity, Scott and Jean redoubled their efforts, intensifying their attacks on the robot. With each strike, they weakened its defenses further, pushing it closer to the edge of defeat. They saw the robot's figure crumble to the ground, rendered immobile and defeated.
A mixture of exhilaration and relief washed over Harry as he realized the success of his spell. He couldn't help but smile, his confidence in his magical abilities bolstered by this triumph. Jean's voice rang out with excitement, and before he knew it, she was running towards him, leaping into his arms with a jubilant hug. Scott stood behind her with a beaming smile.
"Harry!" Jean exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine delight. "You did it! That was amazing!" Harry hugged her tightly, feeling a surge of pride and gratitude for his friends.
"We did it," Harry replied, his smile widening. He turned to Scott and offered a high-five. "And Scott, great job coming up with a plan on the spot."
Scott returned the high-five, his expression reflecting gratitude. "Thanks, Harry."
"Harry is right, that was an excellent display of leadership from you, Scott," Professor Xavier's voice resonated through the room as the simulation came to an end. The three turned to see the professor, accompanied by Ororo and Logan, entering the training area from the control room.
Professor Xavier continued, his eyes filled with pride. "And a great show of teamwork from all of you. I watched your performance closely, and I must say, I am impressed."
Scott couldn't help but blush at the praise, his modesty shining through. "Thank you, Professor. But I couldn't have done it without Harry and Jean. They were amazing out there."
Jean beamed at the professor's words. "It was a team effort, sir. We supported each other and adapted to the situation."
Logan grunted approvingly, a rare smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You kids did good. Showed real promise and guts out there. Keep it up."
Ororo, wearing a gentle smile, nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Your coordination and quick thinking were impressive. I have no doubt that you will continue to grow and excel as a team."
The professor's gaze shifted to Harry, his voice filled with warmth. "And Harry, your magical abilities continue to amaze me. Your spellcasting and resourcefulness were exceptional today. I believe you are truly beginning to harness your potential." Harry's face lit up at the professor's words, a sense of validation washing over him.
"Thank you so much, Professor," Harry expressed with gratitude. "I'll work harder to master my magic so I can be there whenever my teammates need me."
The three adults looked at him with proud smiles, joined by Jean and Scott. Jean gave him a hug from the side, while Scott playfully punched his shoulder. "And we'll do the same, we, Scott?" Jean said, looking at him.
Scott nodded, his eyes filled with determination. "Oh yeah, we will. All of us."
Charles observed the young mutants, his heart swelling with pride and hope for the future. With these three, leading the charge for mutant equality and embracing their powers, he was confident that the future held great things for them. "That is great to hear from all of you," he said warmly. "But as much as I appreciate your dedication, you also need rest. Why don't you three take a break for the day? You deserve it."
The three nodded and followed the adults, leaving the danger room behind. Harry entered his room, feeling the refreshing warmth of the shower washing away the sweat and fatigue from their intense training session. He quickly dried himself off and changed into a comfortable white "Led Zeppelin" shirt, a gift from Stephen. Pairing it with a pair of baggy washed jeans and some low top canvas shoes.
He took his MP3 player and descended the stairs, the sound of music reverberating through the air. Unbeknownst to Harry, Jean happened to peek out from her room and caught a glimpse of him from behind. "thought it would be him." she went back inside. While Scott was already downstairs lounging on the couch waiting for him and jean.
Scott frowned. "Why did it take you so long? Jean's one thing, but you always seem to take forever."
Harry arched an eyebrow and gestured to his entire body. "Why do you think I always look this good?" he replied with a playful smirk.
Scott rolled his eyes. "You look like an otter." he sniped in response.
"Well, considering otters are adorable creatures, Scott, I'll take that as a compliment. Thank you, Scott." Harry smirked at him, taking a seat next to him.
After what seemed like half an hour, Harry finally descended the stairs to see the two boys engaged in a debate about which movie to watch. "We should check out Mission Impossible," Scott suggested.
Harry raised an eyebrow, contemplating the suggestion. "How about not that, and we just rent American Psycho?" he countered, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.
"Harry, we've watched that already," Scott said in a deadpan tone.
"Yeah, but-"
"Boys," Jean interjected, capturing their attention. They both turned toward her, awaiting her suggestion. "Why don't you two take me shopping? I'll even pick out some clothes because, God knows, you need it, Scott." Scott looked offended at the remark, Jean couldn't help but chuckle.
"What about me?" Harry interjected, a mock pout on his face. "Don't I deserve some fashion advice too?"
"You're good, Harry, don't worry," Jean reassured him with a grin. "Your style is already on point."
"Yeah, you've got that messy hair thing going for you," Scott chimed in, earning a playful glare from Harry.
"Shut up, Scott," Harry and Jean said in unison, their synchronized retort leaving Scott momentarily speechless.
"Hey, why do I always get picked on when I'm with you two?" Scott complained.
"Because it's fun," Jean replied with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"I'm the one taking you all to the mall, but this is how you treat me," Scott grumbled.
"Come on, Scott, we're just teasing," Jean said, playfully nudging him. "You know we appreciate you."
Scott couldn't hide his smile, realizing they were just having fun. "Alright, alright. Let's go shopping, then. But I still get to choose the music!"
Harry raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile spreading across his face. "Wait a minute, Scott. I think it's time for a change. How about I take charge of the music this time?"
Scott scoffed, feigning shock. "Oh, really? And what kind of music would you choose, Potter?"
Harry grinned. "Only the best, Summers. Just trust me"
Jean chimed in. "I have to admit, Harry's taste in music is pretty eclectic. It might just make our shopping trip more exciting."
Scott sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. But if my ears start bleeding, it's on you, Potter."
The three walked to Scott's convertible. Harry claimed the passenger seat. Jean hopped into the back, making herself comfortable. Scott turned the engine on, the car purring to life. With a confident grin, he revved the engine and accelerated onto the road. The wind whipped through their hair as they embarked on their journey to the mall, the vibrant sounds of Harry's eclectic playlist filling the air.
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Scene Break
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The eerie whispers echoed through the desolate halls of Azkaban, their haunting resonance permeating the stagnant air. Within his cell, Sirius Black clutched a tattered newspaper, its yellowed pages a stark contrast against the cold, grey walls. His eyes scanned the paper.
His eyes shifted towards a small, seemingly insignificant figure nestled within the photograph. It was a rat—one of the Weasley's boy's pet rat. The sight of the familiar rat, so innocently nestled among the Weasley family, fueled a surge of rage within him.
"Peter... Peter," Sirius growled, his voice filled with a newfound fury. The newspaper quivered in his grip as he clung to the one thread of possibility that presented itself. The sight of the rat, a constant reminder of his past betrayal and the destruction it wrought, ignited a storm of emotions within him.
With a plan in mind, Sirius transformed into his animagus form—a large, shaggy black dog known as Padfoot. He slipped out of the cell bars and stealthily made his way through the prison's corridors, undetected by the Dementors. Padfoot was determined to go to Hogwarts, where he knew the Weasley boy and the rat would be.
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Scene Break
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"That was pretty good actually."
Scott's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Exactly! The guy's a legend. Did you know he does most of his own stunts? It's insane!"
Harry playfully interrupted, raising an eyebrow. "Alright, alright, Summers. We get it. You're in love with the guy."
"Alright let's go home, guys, I'm tired. Do we have any training tomorrow?" Jean cuts in.
"Uhm, not that I'm aware of," Scott answered, getting in the car and turning on the engine as the others went in and took their seats.
"Pretty sure I have another sesh with Dr. Strange. Hoping we would go back to England, I wanna see what the wizarding world actually has to offer, maybe he'll take me to Hogwarts! Oh, and I heard they have this thing called butterbeer, sounds pretty gross and delicious at the same time, but let's be real here, that's basically just junk food, right?" Harry rambles on. Jean had a pleased look on her face; it was good to see him get excited.
"You might want to get us some souvenirs from England too? Maybe fish and chips? Or tea?" Scott said.
Harry looks at him weirdly. "I made you fish and chips before, and tea? That's fair enough, and I'll get you both souvenirs if I remember too. Maybe get you both one of those small Big Ben keychains," he mused, thinking of the tackiest things he could get them as a joke.
Jean sees the familiar look in his eyes. "Don't you even dare to get me anything weird," she warns, lifting a finger and placing it on the tip of his nose. "I swear you'll live to regret it, Mister."
"Oh, don't worry, you'll get something you never knew you wanted," Harry exclaimed, raising both his arms with an innocent smile. "Come on, I'm beat. Where did you park that car of yours, Glasses?" He quickened his pace.
"What's with all the names?" Scott sighed, shaking his head at the other boy's antics. "Hey guys, have you ever thought about how we're still the only three on the team?"
"What do you mean, Scott?" Jean asked.
"I just thought it was weird that it's taking the professor this long to recruit more mutants," Scott explained.
"I mean, you gotta understand that maybe the people he tried to recruit just didn't want to come. It's fair," the redhead replied. "I trust the Professor. I have a feeling we'll be getting more recruits sometime soon. Who knows?"
"Yeah, you're right. I should have more faith. What do you think, Harry?" Scott asked, turning to Harry for his opinion.
"Uhm, I guess I'm with Jean. I trust the Professor to find more like us. It's getting boring having to live with only you three, if I have to be honest," Harry smirked, then continued. "I guess we'll just have to see. I'm hoping we do get more people in the house, though." He sighed, leaning his head back, putting on his headphones, and dozing off.
"What's wrong with him?" Scott mused, glancing at the other boy.
"He's going through things. He acts all happy like always, but I can see it in his eyes. I guess he learned something about his family, that's what I guess... And keep your eyes on the road, Scott. I don't want to die at this age," Jean frowns.
Deciding to drop it, Scott focused on driving their way home. Silence filled the car for a while. "You excited for senior year, Jean?" Scott broke the silence, attempting to initiate a new conversation.
"Yes and no, I'm not excited for all the extra work, but I do miss my friends and soccer. What about you?" Jean responded, curious to hear Scott's thoughts.
"Eh, not really. I think I want to focus more on taking a leadership role for our team," Scott replied.
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean you have to slack off on your school, Scott. I'm sure the Professor wouldn't want that," Jean remarked.
Scott frowned. "Yeah, I guess you're right. But I really do want to be a good leader for both of you. I feel like I've been lacking," he admitted.
"You're actually pretty decent, Scott, but we all gotta start somewhere. The only thing I don't like is how you treat me during our sessions. I can take care of myself, Scott, you know it, Harry knows it. I feel useless whenever you just have me be a lookout instead of actively participating," Jean frustratedly expressed her concerns.
Scott frowned even more, realizing the impact of his actions on Jean. He understood that she was capable and independent, but he couldn't shake off the desire to protect her. "I... I don't know. I'll try to be better," he finally replied.
Jean gave him a soft smile. "Thank you, that's all I needed to hear," she said, appreciating his willingness to make an effort.
"SHIT!" Scott suddenly stopped the car.
"Bloody hell!" Harry exclaimed, waking up with a glare. "Why'd you go and do that for?" his British accent becoming more pronounced.
"Some guy just ran in front of us!" Scott replied, alarmed. He quickly got out of the car and was approached by a panting old woman. "Are you okay, ma'am? What's wrong?" he asked, concerned for her well-being.
"That boy, he stole my purse!" she gasped, pointing in the direction he had gone. They saw his back as he turned the corner.
"I got him, you guys stay here, yeah? Don't worry, ma'am," Harry said with determination as he sprinted after the thief. He followed the thief into an alleyway, but suddenly, he was tripped. As he fell, he saw that it was a big, overweight teenager around his own age who had tripped him.
"Oh it's a pretty boy we got here. I bet we can do a lot of things with you, don't we, pretty boy?" the teenager taunted, licking his lips as he scanned Harry up and down.
"What?" Harry lifted an eyebrow, looking at him with disgust. "I know I'm good-looking, but sorry, dude, I don't swing that way," he said, dismissing the teenager's inappropriate comment. Without drawing attention, Harry discreetly sent a tripping jinx, causing the teenager to stumble and fall to the ground. "Ouch, that looked like it hurt." Harry skillfully dodged a swing from a metal pipe and swiftly delivered a kick to the attacker's knees, disabling him.
Another set of thugs emerged from around the corner, much to Harry's dismay. "You've gotta be kidding me," Harry sighed, his eyes scanning the attackers. As one of them swung at him with a wooden bat, he deftly dodged the strike, followed by narrowly evading a punch from another assailant. "Come on, guys, can't we all settle this like gentlemen?" Harry raised both his hands in a gesture of peace, hoping to defuse the escalating situation.
"Shut up!"
Three of them charged at him. Harry managed to block a punch from the first attacker, but the second guy's blow landed on him, causing him to stagger. However, he quickly recovered and skillfully dodged the third attacker's stabbing attempt. He countered by delivering a powerful kick to the third attacker's hand, causing the blade to fall from his grip.
Seizing the opportunity created by the distraction, Harry quickly cast another tripping jinx, causing the big guy to fall and inadvertently knocking down the others as well. With them momentarily stunned, he promptly followed up with stunning spells, neutralizing all of the attackers. Sighing with relief, Harry retrieved the stolen purse from one of the thugs and walked back to his friends.
"Oh, thank god you're back! I thought something had happened to you," Jean said with relief, hugging Harry tightly. She took the purse from him and handed it back to the old lady. "Here you go, ma'am," she said kindly.
"Oh my, thank you, especially you. What is your name, by chance?" the old lady asked.
"Harry Potter, ma'am," Harry replied, introducing himself with a polite nod. The old lady's eyes widened in recognition.
"H-Harry Potter? I thought he had died along with his parents," she stuttered.
"What the hell did you just say?" Harry angrily marched up to her. Scott quickly intervened, putting a hand on Harry's chest to calm him down. "Say that to me again, and I swear I'll put a dent on your face, old lady or not," Harry threatened, his frustration evident. Jean looked scandalized by Harry's reaction and tried to defuse the situation.
"Harry, calm down, she probably didn't mean it that way," she said, trying to reason with him. The old lady looked apologetic, realizing the impact of her words.
"I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend," she stammered, feeling remorseful for her unintentional comment. "I just thought... nevermind. My name is Abigail, and I'm a- a," she glanced nervously at Scott and Jean.
"A witch? Spit it out, lady!" Harry said, still looking angry.
"Yes! I'm sorry, I should assume that you two are wizards as well?" Jean and Scott shook their heads, confirming that they were not wizards. Abigail's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh dear... I am doomed," she murmured, realizing she had unknowingly revealed her magical identity to non-magical individuals.
"Well? Why did you say all of that? Why would you think that I died with... my parents?" Harry sighed, Jean putting a comforting hand on his shoulder. Abigail looked deeply apologetic.
"I am very deeply sorry again, Mr. Potter. It's just that the whole of the British wizarding world thinks that you have passed, considering you didn't attend Hogwarts and there were no signs anywhere that you were alive... to think that you were here in America all along," Abigail explained.
Harry nodded in understanding. "It's alright, Abigail. I can understand how rumors can spread," he replied with a hint of sadness in his voice. "I've been trying to keep a low profile. Please don't tell anyone that you saw me. Forget about this meeting, okay? Please," he pleaded.
The lady smiled softly at him. "Of course, Mr. Potter, I owe you that much. Thank you again, I shall be going now; my daughter is probably worried sick about me being out late," she said.
"Oka-"
"You want us to take you, ma'am? Where are you staying?" Scott offered, interrupting Harry.
The old lady looked touched by the gesture. "Oh, that's very kind of you, but my daughter lives just a few blocks away from here. I'll be fine," she assured them with a warm smile. "Thank you for all your help, young ones. Take care now," she added before continuing on her way.
"Well, that was quite an eventful evening," Jean commented with a chuckle.
"Definitely," Harry agreed, shaking his head.
"Let's get back to the car and head home, I'm beat," Scott yawned, taking his place in the driver's seat.
"You're beat? I literally got cornered by a bunch of wannabe thugs," Harry grumbled, leaning on the seat to get comfortable.
"Wait, what? Tell us now, what happened?" Jean scooted to the middle, putting a hand on Harry's shoulder, concerned about his encounter with the thugs. Harry proceeded to recount the events. Both Jean and Scott listened attentively, relieved that he managed to handle the situation.
"You handled it well, Harry," Jean praised. "But next time, be careful, okay? We're a team, and we need to look out for each other."
"Yeah, sorry, it wasn't that hard though, they were pretty terrible at fighting," Harry dismissed it.
"But still, you should've let us come with you instead of charging ahead like that, right, Scott?" Jean added.
Scott nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Jean's right. That could've gone really badly if you weren't as skilled as you are. Although you did great, Harry, maybe next time we work as a team, yeah?" Harry nodded in acknowledgment. "You're right. Teamwork is crucial, and I'll keep that in mind," he said, realizing the importance of relying on his friends for support.
"Oh, and what was all that about with the lady? Got any ideas?" Scott asked, still curious about the strange encounter.
Harry sighed, deciding to share his thoughts. "You both know what happened to my family, right?" After they gave sympathetic nods, he continued, "Well, what I'm thinking is that the wizarding world thinks I'm dead as well, mainly because I was not present anywhere. My godfather took me straight to the professor, which means no other wizard than my godfather saw me that night." Harry looked thoughtful.
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Scene Break
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"Can't believe I have to do all of this on my summer break," Harry grumbled, his eyes scanning over another set of spells from his family grimoire.
"I thought you wanted to learn? Plus, it's the end of the summer, so it's about time we start to pick up where we left off," Strange said casually, taking a sip of his tea. "How have you been anyway? Haven't seen you since we went to the bank."
"I'm alright, just the usual. I thought we would be going back to England?" Harry asked, slightly puzzled by the change in their plans.
"I don't see why we would since we got all we need. Why? You want to go back there?" Strange looked up, seeing Harry give him a slow nod. "I see. You found another spell there that might be helpful?"
"Yeah, it's a mimicry spell. It supposedly can spawn four mimics of the caster, which might be useful. What do you think?"
Strange took the book and read it over. "Yeah, this is good. I'll help you work on this. Now, you want to go back to England?" He shut the book, standing up. "Hold my hand."
Harry held Strange's hand, and in an instant, they were transported to a bustling village with shops all around.
"Welcome to Hogsmeade, Harry. Feel free to look around. Here, take this," Strange handed him a ring. "You can talk to me through that ring. Just touch it and speak to me in your head. Got it?"
Harry nodded. "Where are you going?"
"I'll be looking around the shops too. Might get Wong something; the old man needs something to lighten up his life," Strange replied with a smirk.
"Aren't you old too?" Harry teased playfully.
"Shut it," Strange retorted, walking ahead and disappearing into the crowd.
"Here we go," Harry sighed, smiling to himself as he followed the bustling crowd into the heart of Hogsmeade.
He went inside a shop that was named honeydukes, it smelled nice. There were candies in every aisle, each was weird and very odd, some were even moving. He took one called chocolate frog. "How much for this one sir?"
"Take two for 2 galleons, mate."
Harry took another item and placed it on the cashier's counter. He wasn't entirely sure about the value of a galleon, but he assumed that normal money might work. He pulled out his wallet, expecting to find regular currency, but to his surprise, it was filled with shining gold coins.
"Uhm, here's 2 galleons," Harry said, handing over the coins to the cashier with a hint of uncertainty.
"Cheers, mate. Enjoy" The cashier gave him his chocolates.
"Thanks, you know another shop I should go to?" He asked.
The cashier looks at him weirdly for a while before a smile slowly appears.
"You must be a muggleborn. You should take a look at the three broomsticks and zonko's, a lot of kids your age go there a lot. Try out the butterbeer there, they have the best!" He enthused.
"Okay, thanks" Harry left the shop, giving the cashier another smile and nod. The three broomsticks were just right ahead.
"Hello, love. Why don't you go take a seat? I'll come by in a jiffy," a blonde-haired woman told him as she was serving another table. He took a seat on the corner where he could see everyone and observe, something Strange had drilled into his head.
"Okay, dear, what'll you get?" the waitress smiled warmly, handing him a menu.
Harry scanned the menu. "I'll take the butterbeer with a chicken salad, please, ma'am"
"Madame Rosmerta, dear, that's what everyone calls me. Would that be all?" she clarified, taking the menu when he gave a nod.
"I'll come back to you in a few minutes with your order," Rosmerta said with a kind smile before heading to the counter to place his order.
Harry settled into his seat, getting comfortable. Suddenly an explosion heard from outside, he peeked from a window to see something smoking and got out.
He sees a couple of cloaked figures with white masks attacking the shops, while some was fighting off the few people that were brave enough.
Just great, right when he was about to try their famous drink. He ran over to help, stunning the ones that were distracted from their fighting.
"Hey, stop!" Harry shouted just as one of the masked individuals was about to curse a girl. "Why don't you pick on someone your own size?"
The masked individual turned around, the sinister smile evident in his eyes. "Don't try to fight, kid. It won't end well," he taunted, brandishing his wand.
"That supposed to scare me?" Harry scoffed.
"What did you say you little shit?" They growled, and pointed their wand at him "CRUCIO!"
Harry swiftly ducked to avoid the oncoming curse and closed the distance between him and the attacker. Reacting instinctively, he delivered a powerful kick to the attacker's stomach, knocking the wind out of them. Without hesitation, he aimed his wand and sent a blasting curse at the attacker's legs, breaking them and rendering them immobile. The attacker fell to the ground in pain, unable to continue their assault.
The other attackers were momentarily stunned before all simultaneously shooting the same curse at him. Knowing he couldn't do anything else, Harry desperately tried to block the ones he could. However, one curse managed to hit him from the back, and he felt an unimaginable pain coursing through his body. It was like he was being stabbed by white hot knives all over his body.
He could feel his throat starting to hurt from all the screaming he did. It was until he heard a dog bark and the men screaming that the pain was finally gone. Looking up tiredly, a shaggy black dog was biting one of them in the leg, it jumped from a curse and turned its attention to another.
"Harry!" Strange rushed over to him, looking distressed.
Harry, however, could no longer keep his eyes open. Aching all over, he managed to utter, "Strange..." He saw Strange kneeling down and picking him up before darkness took over.
Harry fluttered his eyes open, realizing that Strange had put him inside the inn. He stood up shakily and went outside, only to find Strange fighting the attackers all by himself, and he was doing remarkably well. Oddly, the dog was still there, taking them one by one.
"What are you doing? Get back inside; you're not ready," Strange distractedly said.
"I'm fine, let me fight," Harry insisted, sending a few blasting curses at the attackers, successfully throwing them back. "See?"
Strange sighed, realizing Harry was determined. "Fine, you take the ones on the left while i take the ones on the right. Bring that dog with you; it's pretty strong."
The dog instantly ran to Harry, as if it could read their minds. It looked at him, and if dogs could smile, it was definitely smiling at him.
"Come on, boy, we'll take care of them. I'll distract them while you attack, okay?" Harry told the dog, who barked in response. "Good boy."
They worked together like a well-oiled machine, the dog agilely dodging curses and strategically biting the attackers in vulnerable areas. Harry's wand danced through the air, sending precise jinxes and curses to keep the enemies off balance.
But he soon found himself overwhelmed by the attackers. Despite his best efforts, he struggled to keep up with their relentless assault. The curses rained down on him, Gasping for breath, Harry tried to dodge a curse, but his body felt heavy and sluggish.
With lightning speed, the dog leaped at the nearest attacker, diverting their attention from Harry. It bit down on their wand hand, forcing them to drop their weapon. In the split second of distraction, Harry managed to send a blasting curse, blowing some of the attackers back, rendering them unconscious.
Slowly but surely, they managed to overwhelm the remaining attackers. Harry sighed as the last of the enemies fell,
"That's all of them," he sighed tiredly, petting the dog on the head. "Thank you, boy. You saved me." The dog barked happily, seeming to understand the praise.
"Harry!" He turned around as Strange grabbed his shoulder. "We have to go back."
Harry saw Strange looking at something behind him and turned to see an old man with a long beard and a witch wearing a green robe making their way to them.
"Come on, hold my arm," he did so, and they returned to Strange's sanctum.
"What was that?" Harry asked, still trying to catch his breath.
"I knew I shouldn't have brought you there. It was a bad idea. Now He'll know that you're somewhere out there, and he won't stop until he finds you."
"What do you mean? Who's he?" Harry questioned, confusion evident in his eyes.
Strange sighed, palming his forehead in frustration. "Dumbledore... That old man with the long beard? It was reckless of me to bring you there. Now, I'm paying the price. He'll look for you, Harry, and since he saw you with me, it wouldn't be a surprise if I'll be seeing the man tomorrow."
"You know him?"
"No, not personally. But considering all the connections that man probably has, he'll try and find where I live. I think it's best I'll take you home. We'll practice that spell of yours soon but not tomorrow. Come."
This time, Strange made a normal portal for Harry to step through.
"Okay, you wouldn't tell him where I live, would you?"
"What kind of mentor would I be if I do? Goodnight, Harry. Stay cautious."
The portal closed, and Harry found himself in his bedroom. Sighing, he went through his nightly routine and lied down on the bed, thinking about the incident at the village.
The dog was interesting, and surprisingly strong. If only they weren't in a rush, he would've brought the dog back with him. It would be super helpful. Then again, he didn't know if his uncle Charles would allow it, although maybe with a bit of persuasion, he would. That's it; he'll take the dog home when or if he comes back there.
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A/N: Alright guys that's chapter 2, sorry for making yáll wait hehe. I'll be working on Chapter 3 and it will probably take even longer so please be patient. Oh and please do leave a review cause it helps a lot.
