Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story. This is just for fun and I hope you enjoy reading it.
Child of Silence
By Angelwings Sorrow
Chapter 25 "Summer of Change"
The finals were done and over with and everyone was getting ready to leave for the Summer Holidays. Ron was in a sour mood as he spent three days in the hospital wing recovering from ingesting Draught of the Living Dead. Then his exam scores were barely passing. Nothing was how it should have been or how he had planned it to be. What really got his wand in a knot were his brothers. They had become best friends with Harry Potter and even got cool Muggle phoe-celly things. Even the loser Longbottom got one along with the know-it-all banshee. It just wasn't fair.
"Neville hurry up we're meeting everyone out side by the lake!" Fred shouted popping his head in the first year dorm.
"Coming! I was finishing up with packing my trunk." The Little Lion sealed his trunk with the locking charm that Harry had taught him. It was a new charm because the old one had been broken by Ron looking for anything to use against him and Harry. The Ravenclaw had tailored the new phone to fit his absentmindedness it had a find feature. If he ever misplaced it he could clap in a coded way and it would loudly beep until it was found. Which helped a lot, when a certain Red-headed roommate had tried to steal his phone.
"Are you guys that desperate for friends that you need to befriend the weakest first year in the tower?" Ron sneered at his brother.
"Well Ronniekins, that would not be an accurate statement as we haven't befriend you, you're Family. Nev, here is fine company and a great help in Herbology." Fred grinned. "Now if you'll excuse us we have a meeting to get to."
If looks could kill the two Gryffindors would be dead. Ron watched the two leave, his jealousy boiling at an all time high. It just wasn't fair. He had been so close to becoming a hero and protecting the Sorcerer's Stone only to be taken down by stupid potions. Why did they eve need such a stupid subject. It was a subject for nerds not heroes or Aurors in training. That's what he wanted to be when he was done with School. His mother had told him that her brothers had been famous Aurors in the war and brought glory to the name of Prewett. That's what he wanted, to be famous and respected, but he need a spring board to launch him into the spotlight and greatness. So far he felt like he was getting pushed farther and farther into the shadows. When would it be his turn?
XxXxXxXxXx
"That has got to be your third pizza!" Hermione complained.
"I'm a growing god." Harry shrugged and he finished off another slice. He didn't want to get Friday dirty with his grease covered fingers so he had opened his locket so he could talk and eat at the same time. "I did offer you a slice."
"I try to eat healthier. Where did you even find a Muggle Pizza Parlor?"
"Friday found one almost an Hour away. Normally I eat healthy but it's the end of the year and exams are done I'm celebrating."
"Oh and what was with the five Pizzas every other day during the exams?"
"Brain Food. I passed all my classes because of it." Harry smiled around his pizza.
"Are you still complaining Granger? It's just food. I will admit it's a bit greasy but palatable food." Draco sat down and snagged a slice from the open box.
"Yeah, Pizza!"
"You are a god among men!" Fred and George cheered grabbing slices of their own followed by Neville.
"Napkins!" Susan sighed before waving her wand and producing the much needed cloths. "Boys. I swear if it weren't for me and Hermione you boys would be walking disasters."
"I totally agree with you Susan." Hermione waved her wand and conjured plates for the boys.
"So what are the plans for Summer?" Fred asked guzzling down a Pepsi.
"Well I will be helping out my Aunt; I see many trips to the Ministry in my future, to make sure she is eating and taking care of herself. I swear without me there she would waste away on coffee and toast." Susan was exasperated with her Aunt's behavior seriously who was the Adult here?
"Well I am and taking Muggle summer courses to keep up with my education. I don't want to fall behind my peers in that world." Hermione announce as she nibbled on some sliced fruit.
"I can understand that. I just finished my Online Finals for my Muggle Courses. I want to be able to work with my Dad with his tech and my Father with my magic." Harry agreed. "We'll be heading to Asgard to do more wedding planning. They are Planning for a winter wedding in Asgard it's really beautiful there."
"Sounds like you have the better holiday plan, Lokison. I'll be with my Godfather to be tutored so I raise my grades. Even though I will mostly be studying I am looking forward to being away from the Manor. Mother said Father received a package the other day and he has been closed up in his study ever since. I fear for her safety."
"Well I have a small solution for you Malfoy." Harry wiped his hands on one of the conjured napkins before he pulled something from his pocket and handing it to the blond. "This bracelet will ward off dark magic. It was in one of my family vaults it is a strong artifact but it would be best if she vacationed elsewhere until your father let's go of the Dark magic and the manor is cleansed of it. The more exposed she is the more danger she'll been in, because protections can only last so long under such pressure."
"Thank you Lokison I will write her this evening. I fear that my father has been so immersed in the dark that he is beyond any help. Mother and I made peace with the fact that he is not the man we once knew and loved. He is a dark being that is haunting our lives. Should something befall him and his life ends we shall not mourn him." Draco held the bracelet in his hand and watched the little snakes with emeralds for eyes glitter in the sun.
"Well Little Malfoy,"
"You went Grim fast." The twins said to try and lighten the mood.
"Hey Firsty Prince, how long are you going to be off planet?"
"Yeah we won't be able to call you if you're not on earth!"
"You know you won't be able to call him that next year. He'll be a second year and no longer a first year." Hermione pointed out with an eye roll.
"Oh Little Lioness, he'll always be out little Firsty Prince."
"Yeah, no matter how old he'll get I doubt he'll get much taller." The twins laughed.
"Hey I'm growing. I'll get there someday." Harry thought weakly.
"Keep telling yourself that Haraldr if it makes you feel better." The Hufflepuff soothed patting the Raven on the knee.
"So what are you two demons going to be doing this summer?" Draco asked taking a Pepsi from Butterfingers. He had to admit the Muggles did come up with good drinks and food.
"Well if we manage to sneak out from Mum's watchful eye we're going to be working on our prank line." Fred said snagging another slice of meat lovers.
"We've been planning out a Skiving Snack box. It will be a box of sweets that will make you sick so you can skive off class." George explained snatching a garlic knot from the pile of food.
"Why would anyone want to eat sweets that would make you sick?" Hermione asked.
"Half of the box would make you sick the other half would be the antidote."
"They will eat the sweets to get out of class." The twins rolled their eyes at the first year lion.
"Why would anyone want to skip class they could miss vital information."
"Well Granger not everyone has the respect for knowledge that you do. What about you, Longbottom?" The Slytherin called to the quiet lion.
"Well I'm going to be with my Gran all summer. I want to work in our garden but I'm not sure if she'll let me. She has always set up these lessons for aspiring Aurors and I and more black and blue at the end of these lessons. I would rather have a green thumb instead." Neville replied sadly.
"Well call me if she tries to push you again. I'll set her straight again." Harry promised. He would not let the stubborn witch crush his friend.
"Thanks Harry." The loin smiled shyly.
"Since we'll all be busy or gone this summer I suggest we pick a day after we get our supply letters to meet at Diagon Alley. That way we can have a day of fun just the six of us." Susan suggested. She was really going to miss her friends. It got kind of lonely at home with her aunt constantly working.
"I agree with Bones. I know that years second thru seventh year get their letters mid August. First years always get their letters on their eleventh birthday." Malfoy pulled out his phone and pulled up the calendar app.
"Then how about the Saturday two weeks before the start of school." Neville offered as he pulled out his phone to do the same.
"That sounds good to us." The twins said together syncing their phones with the others. The other three first years were also setting up their reminders and putting the date in their calendars. The rest of the afternoon was spent chatting about the past year's highlights and lows. All of them agreed they couldn't wait until next year.
XxXxXxXxXx
"Don't you think you guys are being a little excessive?" Pepper asked the Avengers who were fully suited up and armored, well all but Bruce.
"Nothing wrong with proving a point, Pep." Tony said lifting up his face plate.
"What Anthony has not said was he didn't get to show off his gaudy suit the last time Haraldr came home for the holidays." Loki snorted.
"Tis true. We tried to stay in mortal wear for Young Haraldr's benefit but it had seemed that we needed to prove ourselves truthful. So now we do not hide who we are." Thor said as he griped Mjolnir tightly.
"Wow it's like stepping back in time. Hey Cap, do they look familiar to you and your hubby?" Clint laughed.
"I think this is a century before our time birdbrain." Bucky snorted. Steve just rolled his eyes. It seemed that no one ever got tired of the Old man jokes.
"Knock it off boys here comes the train." Natasha hissed smacking both men up side the head. The train rolled in and it seemed that the Avengers had an invisible shield around them because none of the witches or wizards wanted to get near the dangerous looking Family. All the children that disembarked the train ran to their parents wondering who the strangely dressed people were.
"Prince Firsty I believe your parents are here." Fred said through suppressed laughter.
"And they brought an entourage." George giggled losing his fight with his own laughter.
"Oh my, when you said you were from a family of heroes I didn't think you meant the Avengers!" Hermione said in awe.
"Oh man, this is so embarrassing." Harry signed.
"Well I guess we don't have to worry about you running off to fight a troll or dragon." Susan smiled.
"Not helping Bones."
"I have a question Lokison, when they ground you, do they actually put you into the ground? Because from where I stand it seems that they can do that several times over." Malfoy said eyeing the shield, hammer and bow.
"Seriously not Helping Malfoy." The Ravenclaw glared.
"Well Harry if you can't meet up in August we will certainly understand." Neville smiled timidly.
"Yeah, we can hold a memorial in your honor." The Twins chorused as they fell over laughing.
"I hate you all." Harry signed before stomping off the train with Shadow trotting along and Butterfingers rolling after him.
"Haraldr!" Loki greeted as he hugged his son but was disappointed that it was weakly returned. "My son what is wrong?"
"Did you guys have to come here ready for battle?" Harry signed a blush covered his cheeks.
"Oh Hare-Bear, did we embarrass you?" Tony cooed and the others chuckled. "So who are your friends, son?"
"These are students that have declared themselves my Friends. The two Gryffindor redheads are Fred and George Weasley; don't try and tell them apart they will just give you a headache. To my right is Draco Malfoy, Slytherin and Susan Bones, Hufflepuff. To my Left are Gryffindors Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom." Harry typed out on Friday before turning to his friends. "Guys meet the Avengers, Captain America, Winter Soldier, Hawkeye, Black Widow, The Hulk, God of Thunder, God of Chaos, Iron Man, and Stark Industries' CEO. Or as I like to call them Uncle Steve, Bucky, Uncle Clint, Aunt Natasha, Uncle Bruce, Uncle Thor, Father, Dad and Aunt Pepper."
"Our boy's got a crew already; I'm so proud." Clint smiled wiping a fake tear away.
"Okay introductions made and greeting have been said. I'll see you guys in August call if you need me. Everyone else back to New York!" Harry signed as he opened a Portal and began pushing his family through. Shadow ran after the group and Butterfingers rolled along with his trunk.
"Bye Harry!" the witches and wizards waved.
"You know, I think we should have invited them to tea." Susan said thoughtfully when the Portal closed. The others waited a beat and all broke out laughing before disbursing to meet up with their families.
XxXxXxXxXx
"That was a little rude Hare-Bear; we wanted to get to know your little friends." Tony gave a mock pout.
"I know, that's why I had to get you all back to New York." Harry signed shifting from Robes to jeans and a t-shirt; then went to his father and hugged him. "It's been a long year I'm just glad to be home."
"We are happy to have you home as well my little Prince." Loki smiled as he finally got his hug from the little god.
"So anything happened since Butterfingers ran away." Clint asked taking off his quiver and laying the bow down on the table.
"Oh you heard about that?" Harry asked as sat on the couch and a fresh cold Pepsi popped up from the coffee table. "Thanks Jarvis."
"You're welcome Master Harry good to have you home."
"Glad to be back. Nothing happened really; just had to deal with the Headmaster's test. No big deal I passed and showed him I'm not an idiot."
"Of course you're not. You're our son! You're a born Genius. Now how about I order some Shawarma and have it delivered." Tony said changing the subject. All the Avengers knew what happened with the Headmaster's little test. Hela came the next morning and updated The Avengers on Harry latest adventure. If the kid wanted to down play the event then they should let him, even if it made them want to wrap their boy in bubble wrap.
"Sounds good dad, I'm kind of tired from the train ride and everything. I'll be in my room taking a nap call me when the food gets here." Harry yawned before heading to the elevator.
The avengers waited until Harry was down two floors before looking to one another in worry. Clint was the first to break the silence. "Well he survived his first year."
"It was touch and go there." Natasha agreed. "He needs to work more on his deprogramming exercises. I know he struggled with that being far from home."
"His training has served him well so far especially with the Dragon." Thor added.
"But there is room for improvement." Bucky agreed.
"Now dial it back a bit Buck, he just got home and we don't want to push him." Steve cut in.
"I agree with Steve. Let's let Harry breathe and rest it's been a long year and we've all missed him. That being said I think it's great that he has friends. I was worried that with all the psychological trauma he had suffered from his stepmother's family and HYDRA that he would have closed himself off completely from children his own age. I am so proud of how far from the past he has come." Bruce smiled as he picked up a picture of the little wizard when they had their first Avenger Family dinner. Tony had Jarvis take the picture all of them eating around the Communal Room table. It was the time Harry had been allowed out of the Medbay and they wanted to remember that day always.
"Yes, we should focus on the positive things." Loki said quietly. "He is home and that is all that matters." He was about to head out to the balcony to take in some fresh air to calm his thoughts when he almost tripped over a gaudy red boot. "Stark put your suit away! You are leaving pieces of it everywhere. Then you had better order dinner like you promised."
"See Tony, it's not just me. You are a slob and need to learn to put your toys away. Now I need to check in with Phil and the offices I'll be back in time for dinner." Pepper smiled leaving for the elevator.
"I'm not a slob." The genius said acting all affronted. "I'm just a little disorganized."
"Well you better clean up Brother Stark, Loki does not like to repeat himself. If he does I have one word of advice for you."
"Oh yeah and what is that Sparkles?"
"Run."
Now that Tony thought about it his lover was a god with powerful magic and could kill him without a second thought. He wasted no time running around the room picking up the pieces of his suit.
XxXxXxXxXx
"Well brother our Prince Firsty had an impressive family." Fred said as he and George were on garden gnome duty.
"That he did. He may have been slightly embarrassed but they prevented a scene that would have embarrassed us all."
"I can't believe our mum was going to try and take Harry." After arriving home the had to listen to their mother rant about the evil being surrounding their Symbol of the light. That there was no way that the Boy-Who-Lived was safe with those people. Then she bemoaned that Albus would be disappointed that she didn't manage to bring the boy back to where he belongs.
"Neither can I brother, but it must have been the Headmaster's plan since the other plans weren't working." The two worked tirelessly as it was the only time they were not disturbed.
"Well, Gred, if that's how they want to play it than I say we make a stand with our Prince."
"I agree Forge. It's time we dust off our idea book and put some real work into it." They were going to need a workshop. Maybe their little Firsty prince would have an idea or two on where they could set up shop.
XxXxXxXxXx
"Susan, are you sure about this? This is a lot of responsibility I would be taking on at the Ministry. It would also mean less time at home." Amelia asked her niece that just returned from school a week ago. She hadn't had much time to sit down and talk about the Hufflepuff's first year as the Ministry had been very demanding of late. Just this morning Kingsley came to her and asked her to run for Minister.
"I'm sure; you would be a great Minister because you are honest and fair. A lot of Muggleborns and Half bloods are not treated well at school because of their blood status. I know you could make a difference Aunt. It just takes on person to begin the changes needed to keep our world going. In my year that person is Haraldr Lokison. He's a Ravenclaw but he is friends with me a Hufflepuff, a Slytherin and four Gryffindors. All for us study together and talk and are just together for each other. Could you say the same about the friendships when went to school?" Susan stood strong and steadfast by her beliefs.
"You're right I can not. We stuck to our own house afraid to venture off to other houses unless we had to. Even though many of us Purebloods grew up together the houses drew us apart. I guess you can't really call us a united world when all of us are separate from one another. I am very proud of you Susie. You have found real friends and are not letting the house stigma pull you apart. You're friends with a Slytherin, you say? I am amazed that they looked past the Hufflefpuff crest to see the real you."
"It wasn't easy but he's trying not to follow the rest of the house but Haraldr is very convincing on see the person not the house. So will you run for Minister?" Susan pleaded. She knew that even though this would take her Aunt away more it was the right thing to do.
"Alright I'll do it. This is going to be an uphill battle I'm going up against the Purebloods that back Fudge." Amelia pointed out.
"Don't worry I'll help you anyway I can; plus I have Haraldr on speed dial. If anyone can think outside the Cauldron it's him."
"Then let's do this. I'll floo Kingsley and get the ball rolling." This was the first step in changing their world for the better.
XxXxXxXxXx
"Hermione, dear are you sure you want to take more lessons, you just returned from school a week ago." Jane asked worried that her daughter was over working herself.
"Yes, Mother I'm sure. I want to keep up with my Muggle peers. I know it seems a lot but I am not doing anything above my grade level. If you want to see a workaholic then you should see Harry's work Load. He takes six University classes online during school year on top of his Magical studies. I never thought I would say something like this but that boy needs to cut back and relax." Hermione sighed as she completed her summer course application.
"Poor boy are his parents pressuring him to do all that work?"
"Believe it or not, no, they are just as concerned about him over doing it. His Dad is Tony Stark of Stark Industries and his Father is Loki the Prince of Asgard."
"Asgard? You mean those Norse Myths are true?" Jane had to sit from the information overload.
"Well, some of them. Harry doesn't like to talk about it much. He was embarrassed when his family showed up in their full gear." The Gryffindor laughed at the memory.
"You mean the Avengers were there for him?"
"Yup, they are his Aunts and Uncles. I'm sure only the Muggleborns and some of the half-blood actually knew who the Avengers were. I was just as surprise to see them there as you were. Harry never talks about his home life either; all he ever said was he was from a family of heroes. I thought he was talking about his ancestors in Asgard."
"Well you have certainly made some interesting friends at school, dear. If you are sure you are not taking on too much I'll send in your application. Now what would you like for dinner?" Jane smiled at her daughter before heading to the kitchen.
"I think Harry's bad habits are rubbing off on me but can we have Pizza tonight?"
"Sure. Pizza is a nice treat once in awhile. I'm sure your father would love some pizza after work. He had two root canals and a extraction scheduled for today."
"Ouch, that's a full day. Yup Pizza it is."
XxXxXxXxXx
"You have been quiet these past two weeks Draco is there something you wish to talk about?" Snape asked at dinner noticing how his godson seemed lost in thought.
"I am not sure Godfather. My first year at school was not how I expected it be. If I'm honest it was better then what my father had planned."
"Really, how so?"
"Well, Father expected me to befriend Harry Potter and bring him to the dark way of thinking. If I couldn't do that I was to destroy him from the inside out with taunting, bullying and belittlement to weaken him for the Dark Lords eventual return. Instead I made friends with Haraldr Lokison a Ravenclaw with a sharp mind and different way of thinking. Nothing is Black and white with him. There are many shades of white and gray and I am starting to see the colors for myself."
"Mr. Lokison had a difficult upbringing, Draco. I believe it the reason he sees beyond the world around him. I am proud of you and finding your own beliefs as well as your own friends. Over these next six years you will be tested, whether it's by your father or the fates, you will have to decide what you are willing to fight for and what kind of man you want to be. Whatever you decide I will always be here to help and support you."
"Thank you, Godfather. I believe that I shall stay close to Lokison. His friendship is a good place to start my own Future."
"Despite having Potter blood he is a smart young man and good morals you can not ask for a better starting point. Now finish your dinner or Mopsy will not serve us our dessert."
"Yes, Godfather." The young Slytherin dug into his food with gusto not wanting to miss out of Toffee Pudding.
XxXxXxXxXx
Neville hummed happily in the Garden giving his flowers some much needed love and attention. It had not being easy dealing with his grandmother since his return from school. He stood up to her demands to return to Auror lessons. He took courage from the fact that his friends believed in him and supported him no matter what. He put his foot down and told his grandmother that he did not want to be an Auror because he was not his father. Since then she pretty much left him alone.
"Beep, Beep,"
"Hello Neville here."
"Longbottom it's me Malfoy."
"I never thought you would be calling me." Neville said in surprise.
"Well, I never thought I would have to call either but we are friends. Anyways I called because I need some fresh Coneflower and Yarrow for a fever reducing potion and the Apothecary is fresh out and won't get any in for two weeks. Professor Snape and I are making these potions for St. Mungo's so it's urgent we get the ingredients right away."
"Well Malfoy you called the right Herbologist. I have a supply of both ready for harvest. I will owl it to you with in the hour."
"Thank Longbottom you are a life saver. We'll await your owl, good-bye."
"Bye."
"So you actually use that Muggle device. Was that the Malfoy boy?"
"Yes, Gran it was." Neville said quietly as he stood up from his garden to face his Grandmother. "He's my friend and he needs my help with potions."
"I never thought I would see the day, a Malfoy using a Muggle device. Why would he need your help with potions? Your grade is barely acceptable." Augusta huffed.
"That is true; I am not good at brewing but I can supply him with the plants he needs for his potions. Not everything is cut and dry, Gran. He and Professor Snape are making Potions for St. Mungo's but they can't do that without ingredients. So while I may not be a potion master I am doing my part to help."
"Where's the glory and notoriety in that?"
"That's the difference between us Gran. I am doing my part to help people I don't care if I get credit or not. You just want me to bring fame and glory to the Longbottom name. The way I see it, you are no better than any other Pureblood in our world. Excuse me, but my friend needs my help." Neville glare before walking off to the Green houses for the much needed flowers. It hurt that his Grandmother couldn't him beyond his father's shadow. He wouldn't let her hold him back any longer, he would move forward with the support of his friends.
XxXxXxXxXx
"Hey Squirt, whatcha reading?"
"Hey Dad, I'm just finishing up my Potion's essay. I want all my Homework done before we go to Asgard." Harry signed as he looked up from his work.
"So you are looking forward to going back are you? I hope your Aunt will be too busy to join us." Tony sat next to his son taking the offer Pepsi from Butterfingers.
"I doubt she will be too busy to visit, but don't worry I'll protect you." Harry smiled.
"My hero." The sarcasm was not missed in his tone. "So how was your first year at Magic school, be honest. It's just you and the old man here."
"Dad you're not old."
"Thank you for saying so. Now tell me the truth how did all the craziness make you feel."
"It was a lot harder to be around all those people than I thought it would be. It was overwhelming like I was lost in a sea of bodies. I tried to keep my distance with everyone trying to save my mind from everyone and keep focus as not to lose myself to HYDRA mode. I got close once, had to call Aunt Tasha to help be redirected. After a while I couldn't stop the friendships that I made. After every event I went through left an opening for them to sneak in and claim friendship. It was weird and unnerving at times but I don't regret them." Harry explained before he was pulled into a hug by his dad.
"You know what Hare-Bear. I was the exact same way. Well I didn't have a HYDRA mode but I did have extreme angry outbursts pushing everyone away. Rhodey was the only one to see past that anger and stick by me. In fact until The Avengers came along I could count my friends on three fingers, Rhodey, Pepper and Happy. So I totally get having to get used to being a friend and having them. As long as they don't try and change you then they're keepers. Because you my son are perfect just the way you are."
"Even if I like doing a lot of homework?"
"Even if you are little bookworm. Are you sure you aren't being haunted by your Granddad Stark? If you are I'm sure I can invent something to get rid of his Dead Ass."
"No I'm not being haunted. I just want to be smart like you and Father. Plus I take the Family motto very seriously." Harry giggled.
"Oh, and what Family Motto is that, my little genius?"
"That 'We're Starks, we live on Caffeine and Pizza to bring our genius to Life.'"
"That is so true Mini Me. Well now since you got the Motto down it's time we celebrate your genius. You did so well on your College Grades and Magic Grades I say we go out and enjoy pizza at a real pizzeria then go to a movie with those giant tubs of popcorn afterwards finish the night off with a mountain size ice cream sundae. Just you and me, what do you say?"
"I say Potions can wait for tomorrow!" Harry signed grinning from ear to ear.
"Good now go get ready and we'll sneak out of here while your Dad is still busy Sparring with your Uncle Thor." The genius pushed the demi-god off the couch and towards the elevator. He didn't get much father son time with Harry so he had to sneak it when he could. Especially from Loki, because he tended to stuff the kid with junk food.
A/N: The Plot Bunnies Strike again. They loved all the yummy reviews and after their feast they got to work right away for your reading pleasure. They have begin their summer break before Second Year. I was asked if I was goint to break up the years into different fics but the plot bunnies gave me weird looks at this suggestion, protesting that it wouldn't flow properly if I tried that. So I told to shut up and keep typing. The Bunnies are mean to me when I question their genius. Save me! They need food to keep them mellow! Thanks for Reading and Keep Reviewing.