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 57 "Rules, Wands and Nosy Reporters"
Harry woke up with huge headache and he tried to bury himself back under the blankets to block out the sun. He used a lot of power to summon his family from their realms through the Family Bond. He was surprise that he was strong enough to pull his Uncle Helblindi all the way from Jotunheim. Once the adrenaline wore off he collapsed on his bed barely had enough magic to change into pajamas.
"Hey sleepy head how are you doing?" a voice asked pulling his comfy shield away from his head.
"Aunt Tasha?" Harry signed slowly before sitting up.
"Your group is off to their classes and your House leader said you can stay in from classes because you used a ton of magic." Natasha smiled softly brushing his bangs from his face.
"Good, so tired. How are you here?"
"It's my job to sneak in through the shadows. Barnes got to visit last time it's my turn."
"Bucky did get to stay long, I didn't see him just the file he left." Harry signed with a yawn.
"Than that is his fault. I missed you and wanted to make sure Мой Маленький Брат was okay. We saw what happened and we know you didn't put your name in the goblet and neither does your friends."
"Thanks, I need to hear that after last night; the whole castle probably thinks I did. There are no clues on what the First Task is going to be but I feel it has to do with Fire? It was in my visions and Fili and Kili were there but I saw them from the air like I was flying in my Iron Lad suit but I wasn't in my suit. It just doesn't make any sense."
"You know these wizards fly without suits, maybe it's time you join their ranks." The widow smirked with a raised eyebrow.
"I don't have a broom."
"Don't worry about that, Barnes will just have to make a special trip to Diagon Alley for you. Send Nátt to our cottage and we'll take care of the rest. Things will get clearer as the year goes on. Your Aunt Hela says trust your visions and yourself, then everything will work out just fine. Now you rest, I need to head back and check in with your Uncle Nick because he and Kingsley are chasing down leads and need to know everything."
"Mandarin?"
"Yeah they popped up in a non-magic village not too far from here Clint and Steve have been sent to check on it."
"Why are they still chasing us? It has been years why won't they give up?"
"I don't know Harry, but they are relentless. The last encounter spooked them to where they went underground again. Tony is their target and the guy after him is very smart. He has been planning this for years, so the best thing you can do is stay safe."
"Yeah it's real safe here." Harry rolled his eyes.
"Well as safe as you can get."
"I want to be with you guys and help you get them, Dad needs my help."
"Мой младший брат, your dad wants you safe from them. It's our job to protect you and his job to deal with his enemies. Remember what everyone has told you that your job is to be a kid and not an Avenger."
"I just want to help."
"I know but everything will be fine. Rest and we'll meet again soon." Natasha kissed the boy's forehead and tucked him back into bed. It didn't take long for Harry to fall back asleep. The Spy slipped out through the secret passages with a lot on her mind. She knew Harry worried over them and Tony wanted to keep him in the dark, but that was not possible. Harry was smart and it was never good to lie to a child or else you break their trust in you. She would accept their anger that she told Harry about the Mandarin sightings but as long as Harry knew they were okay he wouldn't try and leave the castle to help them.
The next time Harry woke it was breakfast the next day and the Champions were all called with their Headmasters to go over the rules and contract. Harry was a surprised to find Krillan standing outside the Great Hall after breakfast. The young Jotun had a big smile at seeing a familiar face.
"Krillan! What are you doing here? I thought Uncle Helblindi needed his captain of the guard at his side at all times?" Harry flicked his wrist activating his gloves and signing to the Frost Giant.
"That is true but when a Prince of Jotunheim is challenged then a guardian must be present to watch over the Challenge. This is to ensure honor and fairness as well as prevent sabotage." Krillan explained. "Besides there is no greater honor than protecting a Royal Clan member especially one who brings much joy to our king."
"Thank you Krillan. This means you can act as the representative of Asgard and Jotunheim. We have to meet in a class room or conference room soon with the other headmasters and their champions to go over the rules. I thought I would have to go by myself." Harry signed with slumped shoulders.
"You are never alone young Prince. Never forget that. Lead the way we will show them the realms do not falter in accepting Challenges." Krillan patted the small Prince on the shoulder giving him a rare smile.
"There you are Mr. Lokison, the others are waiting for you and your Representative." McGonagall's voice said sternly but Harry could see amusement in her eyes. The Scottish witch was truly angered by the events leading to one of her favorite students being called to take part in this dangerous tournament. The Headmaster did nothing to over turn it and now Harry must go through with the tasks. She was glad the boy was fighting back against Albus in every way he could. With the Jotun here Albus would be unable to claim to be his guardian for these meetings of the Champions.
They all met in what was once Rowena's Tea room as it had tall glass windows and lounge chairs and huge round tables for Studying. The other Champions and their guardians were already there waiting at one table and the Tournament Officials at another. None of them were expecting Harry to arrive with a twelve foot tall frost giant. Everything would have been fine, if the crazy old fool didn't try and exclude Krillan from the meeting.
"Excuse me but this is a private meeting must ask you to leave so we can go on with the reading of the rules." Albus stood before the Jotun expecting to be obeyed.
"I think not Mortal. I am Krillan, Captain of the Royal Guard of Jotunheim, here at the Request of King Helblindi and King Odin as their representative and Guardian to Prince Haraldr Lokison." Krillan's deep voice rumbled with irritation sending shivers through the ignorant mortals and laughter through Harry.
"There is no need for you to be here I am his headmaster and his guardian while he is at school. I am more than capable of looking out for Harry's interest." Albus protested.
"No you are not Mortal. This challenge Prince Haraldr accepted was for the Honor of The Realms for which we are from Jotunheim and Asgard. You do not speak for either realm there for you are not his Guardian. I am from Jotunheim and I was sent here at the order of my King and the Blessing of the Royal family of Asgard, I am Prince Haraldr's guardian."
"Professor Dumbledore, I believe Captain Krillan is correct, Mr. Lokison has declared that he is champion of Asgard and Jotunheim and not of Hogwarts. I know Mr. Crouch will agree with me, when I say that Mr. Lokison's home land is well represented by one of his people of his homeland."
"Yes, I do. Now we will go over the rules and the wand weighing ceremony. Then there will be the interviews. Rita Skeeter from the Daily Profit is covering the story and be talking to each of you." Crouch tried to keep his voice even but he was very frighten of the tall Blue Alien standing in the middle of the room.
"I would suggest you have your guardian with you during your inter view, least something said be misconstrued." McGonagall shot a glare at the reporter taking notes at the other end of the table.
"Why Professor McGonagall, the public has the right to know about this historic event and Mr. Potter the Hero of the Wizarding participation in it." Rita gave her former teacher a fake smile.
Harry rolled his eyes at the reporter's statement. It seemed that the headmaster was already getting ahead of the narrative and painting him 'The Boy Who Lived' rather than his true name and title. He listened to Mr. Bagman read off the official rules bout Tasks, point system, no cheating rules. Hermione looked up the History of the tournament and it seems that everyone tends to cheat trying to get their Champion to the winner's circle. So saying that cheating is not allowed is basically for just saying it for the officials; the stupid bastards.
"Now that you have all heard the rules, May I introduce Mr. Ollivander?" Dumbledore asked from his seat next to the judges and other school headmasters. "He will be checking you wands to ensure they are in good condition before the tournament starts."
Harry hadn't noticed the Wand-maker standing by the window. He remembered the old man from when he and his Godfather went and bought his wand. His wand had gone through a Jotun ritual and he wondered if the wand maker would be able to tell. Harry watch as Mr. Ollivander asked the Beauxbatons' Champion for her wand for examination.
"Hmmm…" The wand maker twirled the wand between his fingers and it shot ff small pink and gold sparks. Then he took a closer look at the wood of the wand. "Yes nine and a half inches… inflexible… rosewood… and containing… dear me…"
"An 'air from ze 'ead of a vela," said Fleur. "One of my grandmuzzer's"
"Yes, yes, I have never used them myself of course. I find it makes for rather temperamental wands…" Ollivander continued his inspection of the wand but found everything in perfect order. "However to each his own and if this suits you… Orchideous!" and a bunch of flowers burst from the tip of the wand. "Very well, very well, It's in fine working order."
The wand maker scooped up the flowers and gave them and the wand back to Fleur before turning to Cedric. "Mr. Diggory you next. Ah, now this is one of mine, isn't it?" Mr. Ollivander mood went up with enthusiasm as Cedric handed him his wand. "Yes, I remember it well containing a single hair from the tail a very fine male unicorn… must have been seventeen hands; nearly gored me with his horn after I plucked his tail. Twelve and a quarter inches … ash… pleasantly springy. It's in fine condition. You treat it regularly?"
"I polished it last night." the Hufflepuff beamed. Harry had to hold the wheeze of a giggle that threatened to come out, because hanging out with the twins and dad wasn't the way to keep a pure mind when it came to innuendoes. Mr. Ollivander twirled the wand between his finger tips causing gold sparks to shoot out of the end then sent a stream of sliver smoke rings across the room before declaring it fit for use.
"Mr. Krum, if you please?" Viktor got up and handed his wand over to the wand maker. "Hmm, This is a Gregorvitch creation unless I'm much Mistaken? A Fine wand-maker, though the styling is never quite what I… How ever…"
Mr. Ollivander seemed to get lost in thought as he examined the wand. "Yes… Hornbeam and Dragon Heartstring? Rather thicker than one usually sees… quite rigid… ten and a quarter inches … Avis!" the wand let out a loud blast like a gun and bunch of twittering birds flew about the room before leaving out the open window.
"Good and that just leaves his highness Prince Haraldr Lokison-Stark."
"I think you are confused, Mr. Ollivander, this is Mr. Harry Potter." Dumbledore interrupted trying to push his lie in front of the press.
"It is you who is mistaken Mortal. Disrespect my prince again and the Realms will take it as a sign of hostility from the seidr users of Midgard." Krillan's deep voice cut through the silent room. Mr. Crouch rushed to the headmaster's side and whispered in his ear to keep quite because the last thing they needed was a war with the gods. Dumbledore remained silent but frowned at being chastised.
"As I was saying, may I please have your wand please your Highness?" Ollivander turned to Harry who handed over his wand keeping his fabe blank because he seriously wanted to laugh at the dressing down the Crazy Old Man was getting since the moment the meeting started. "Yes I know this wand very well…. Twelve inches even, Wych Elm… ah yes a double core… Pegasus feather mixed with frosty Fairy wings…. But there has been a change it's deeply connected to you now."
"Prince Haraldr's Midgard artifact was given the Blessing of Jotunheim, by my King. The Artifact was submerged in the Moon Water the source of life and seidr on Jotunheim." The Guard Captain informed the mortals.
"Ah, I see, yes… the wand is in excellent condition. Hmm, I believe that the ritual made the wand more flexible and more in tune to the elements. Yes, yes, such a fine wand one of the last my father ever made. Nix Flurry!" The Wand blew out a few snow flakes that drifted toward Harry settling in his hand. "I would also note that your wand is stubbornly Loyal. It does not want to perform for me but knows it has to. Yes, a truly bonded wand."
"Thank you Mr. Ollivander." Harry signed and his gloves translated before taking his wand again. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed that Dumbledore is upset with the weighing of his wand. It seems that no one told the crazy old man that he wasn't given the magic repressing wand that the man wanted him to have.
"Well now that all wands are cleared I would love to have a word with each of you. I'll start with Mr. Potter." Rita smiled as she walked up to the Ravenclaw.
"Mortal you will not talk with my Prince as you show disrespect to him and his title among the Realms."
"But you must know that his name is Harry Potter the Hero of this world."Rita Protested
"That is the title from you mortals. All of you have repeatedly called his this and have been warned against it. His full title is Crown Prince of the Nine Realms Haraldr James Lokison Stark of the House of Odin and the Clan of Laufey. You will address him as Your Highness or Prince Haraldr he no longer carries his Mortal name as he put the name of his Barer to rest with his Barer." Krillan voice growled.
"Why are you the one telling me this and why can't His highness speak for himself?" Skeeter asked her quick quill continued the scribble away.
"I am Krillan Captain of the Royal guard of Jotunheim. It is my job to stand as guardian for the Crowned Prince as both Royal families are unable to attend these meetings on this realm. As his guardian I will not allow any being to disrespect him." As the Jotun Spoke Harry noticed that the quill was writing lies about how Krillan looked and that he was a prisoner under the guard of a Monster.
"Harry?" Cedric asked when he saw the younger boy snatch the parchment and break the quill before ripping up the paper and setting fire to it.
"Hey you can't do that!" Rita screeched. All her work up in flames and now she would have nothing for that evening's edition. Instead she would have to rewrite it for the morning edition.
"I can when you write lies about my people!" Harry signed. "You will not get an interview from me ever and you will never write about my people in a slanderous manner again! My Word is my Bond and the words as Prince of the realms prevent outsiders from speaking untruths about Asgard and Jotunheim. So Mote it Be." After his speech Harry pulled his sword from his father's pocket dominion and perform a few signs in the air witch glowed white with his power before sealing it by stabbing his sword into the floor. The wave of Magic was so strong and powerful all of the magic wielding beings on earth felt it.
"My Prince, it is time we leave." Krillan saw that the young Jotun beginning to sway on his feet. He knelt at his side to steady him without letting the mortals know the spell had drained the small Prince.
"Yes Krillan, I need some air." Harry signed then pulled his sword from the stone floor before allowing the guard to carry him out of the room.
"I would Take heed Ms. Skeeter. It does not take much to anger the gods of Asgard and Jotunheim and your words could bring their wrath down upon all of us, your readers included." McGonagall chastised her former student before turning to the others in the room. I'm sure this concludes the rules and wand ceremony. Students are dismissed and I suggest Ms. Skeeter should owl you for an appropriate time to do those interviews. The Headmaster and officials have talks and plans they need to go over before the first task."
The students quietly and quickly left the room after that dismissal. Professor Sprout was waiting for them when the exited. Snape who was also waiting brush passed them and into the meeting. While the visiting students left for class Cedric stayed behind.
"Professor is Lokison going to be alright?"
"I believe he will be. Professor Flitwick has already left to call his family to let them know he is in need. Now back to class Mr. Diggory, Professor Moody class is about to start."
"Yes Professor." The Hufflepuff complied but worried about the littlest champion. He didn't know Harry personally but he had heard all about him from his house mate Susan Bones. She often would bring her friends to the Hufflepuff common room for study sessions during her first year but it seems that they found a new place more private to study so he would only see the young Ravenclaw during meals when the group would sit at the Hufflepuff table. He knew Harry was quite and reserved but that didn't mean he deserved such treatment by the headmaster and others.
XxXxXxXxXx
Krillan carried Harry out to the lake before the young prince fussed to be put down. Before Harry's feet touched the ground the Goddess of Death appeared before them hold a crystal goblet.
"Oh my dear Nephew, why must you push your limits? Here drink this it will restore you seidr levels."
"Valhalla water?" Harry asked opening up the mind stone locket. He took deep drink of the cool water and instantly felt better.
"Yes with a drop of moon water mixed with it. When your father got the call from your professor we were talking with your Clan Uncle Helblindi about Krillan being your on sight guard while these games are being played. The king offered the Moon Water when I told them I would bring you the water of Valhalla, he said it would help with your Jotun blood."
"Yes the King carries a flask of Moon Water on him always. Only Jotun can drink the water without freezing from the inside out and it restores the body's energy so you are no longer fatigued." Krillan explained.
"Better Darling Nephew?" Hela asked gently stroking the hair from Harry's face.
"Yes, much better, Thank you Aunt Hela. As much as I would like to have Krillan here until this mess is over, I am not sure our human accommodations will fit him." Harry said looking up at The Jotun's Twelve foot frame.
"That is another reason I am here. My brother Loki gave me this amulet for you Captain Krillan. It will reduce your size to that of my brother Thor, so you will be able to fit better within the mortal realm." The goddess hand the Captain the sliver charm on a leather cord. Once he had the amulet in hand the Jotun shrunk to an intimidating six foot four inches.
"Thank you Princess Hela and Please give my thanks to Prince Loki. I swear to protect Crown Prince Haraldr from all enemies." Krillan put on the necklace then put his arm across his chest and bowed to the two royals.
"Good, now I must return to your father before he panics and comes charging in or worst calls your Grandmother to come and check on your health. Call your parents tonight if only to ease their minds. I shall see you soon Nephew." Hela gave Harry a kiss on the forehead and nodded to the guard before vanishing green smoke.
"Come My prince you need a good meal in you before your other classes begin."
"You're right, thank you Krillan. The house elves will make you a room in the Founders wing." Harry agreed following the Jotun Captain back to the castle. It was only 11:30 in the morning and already it felt like a really long day. The upside was he would have someone from one of his home realms near by.
XxXxXxXxXx
"Well I got my report for today. Any news from our world?" Natasha dropped the day's notes on the table pulling her cloak hood back.
"Yeah, Steve sent an email this morning. The Mandarin has been popping up around the US more and more lately. Tony said he's leaving tomorrow to help try and track them down. I found out from my trip to the ministry that they are in negotiations with the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary. This could be what the First task could be about." Bucky said setting out the dinner he had been making when the Widow arrived.
"That makes sense considering Harry's visions. He said he saw the Dwarves from the games were wrestling fire. I believe that fire might be a dragon. When I saw Harry yesterday he said he also felt that he was flying high in the air and without his Iron Lad suit." The red head removed her cloak and washed up at the sink for dinner.
"Coulson is many things but clever is not one of them. That has got to be the worst code name ever. So how is Harry going to fly without a suit?"
"Harry is a wizard and he should start acting like it. Tomorrow you need to go to Diagon Alley and buy him a racing broom. He'll need something fast and light to maneuver around the dragon. Harry needs every advantage we can give him." Natasha said opening her Stark Magic Safe Laptop.
"Alright I can do that but first let me ask you something." Bucky said as he served slices of roast beef and vegetables for both of them.
"Looks good, so what do you need to know?"
"Today did you feel something like a large static shock? When I was at the ministry I felt like a shock, like you get from static from dragging your feet on shag carpet and them pointing the charge at someone. At first I thought it was just me and having a Vibranium arm the shock hurt a little, but then I saw all the wizards and witches sway and look like they were about to fall over."
"That was Harry's spell. It's in my notes but I'll give you the run down. After the rules and wand inspection, a reporter by the name of Skeeter tried to force an interview with our Harry. He wasn't too happy with the lies she attempted to write with her self writing quill and sent out a world wide spell to prevent lies about his family and the realms beyond earth. Captain Krillan of the Jotun Royal Guard was there to steady him after the draining spell and after took him away to get magical first aide from Hela. He was better after lunch and went back to classes with a more human sized Krillan at his side."
"Well it's good that Harry will now have visible protection but I wish it was one of us doing the protection detail. That reporter sounds like she's going to be trouble." Bucky stated pouring himself a beer.
"That was my take on her as well. I'll have to talk to Harry about modifying our medallions now that we are surrounded by magic it will be harder to tell the hostile magic from friendly magic."
"You can do that but I don't think I need it. Since being here my magical awareness has been getting sharper. When I got the shock it stung but it felt familiar. I can feel a burning sensation whenever I am close to that crazy old man of a headmaster. He is a definite threat to Harry and it wouldn't take much to take the bastard out. I did bring my sniper rifle." The Winter Soldier growled he hated how the man wanted to use and abuse his little buddy.
"I know, I would love to give him a taste of my widow bite but we can't interfere with the fates and their plan for Harry. The fate of our universe is at stake. Do I need Dr. Strange to come and explain the Multi-verse to you again?"
"Shit no! I sat through that speech once and that was enough. The guy is long winded and never gets tired of hearing himself talk. Fine I won't shoot the bastard, but I am telling you that guy is not right in the head. You and I both know what true madness is and he is the walking definition."
"Yeah, I know it reminds me of Dreykov. He was the creator of the Red Room ruthless but driven by his desire for the perfect army of Widow Assassins with no feelings or emotions to kill on command. That's why I defected to Shield; I helped them kill him to end the Red Room." Natasha said quietly. She hadn't told so much about her past to anybody but Clint. Harry had changed her and she was beginning to trust her team and she was starting to accept them as her family.
"Romanoff," Bucky look a bit pale and his eyes got sharp.
"What?"
"Dreykov is not dead."
"No I saw him go to his office, I saw the explosion. He and his daughter died that day. It should have been just him but she was dropped off at his office, unplanned and the attack couldn't be called off. They were caught in the blast I saw it." Natasha protested.
"When Harry and I were in Hydra, he came to the base talking with Dr. List and someone I don't remember who it was, because they came during Harry's training session and I was more focused on protecting Harry. Anyways he was there talking about his Widows and that some had showed signs of magic like Harry and he wanted to know how to control them. List said he would have to see them to make a determination but they did make plans for him to visit the Red Room and that was the last time I saw Dreykov."
"Этот ублюдок еще жив! I have to find him and destroy that place! My Sister, she is still stuck there!" Natasha's mind was going a mile a minute. She thought all the widows were free and that Yelena was safe living her own life. That had been the goal to free them all but if she failed; then she failed Yelena her bonded sister.
"No our mission is to stay here and protect Harry. We need to stay focused. We can send word to Barton to start looking into it and gather intel. You can't go running blind, you'll get killed." Bucky's voice was sharp and deep cutting through Natasha's panic.
"You're Right," Nat took a couple of deep breathes and cleared her thoughts. "We finish this Mission and then we'll go after the Red Room and Dreykov."
"Exactly, remember you're not alone anymore, you've got a whole team to watch your back." Bucky knew exactly what she was feeling. He had felt blind sided when Harry's memory charm broke. He had believe the boy had been dead and then he was suddenly alive. It was a shock to the system making him confused and desperate to go and get his little buddy. Nat was going through the same thing with wanting to save her sister from the Red Room. He understood that but they couldn't go in with out a plan or information on the new Red Room they would all get killed. So now was the time to prepare while guarding Harry and then they could go after Dreykov.
"Not just a team; Harry made us a family. We'll do this mission then will bring the rest of our family home." The Widow said looking calmer then she did a minute ago. Now they could focus on the mission at hand. It was going to be a long school year.
"Hoot!"
"Great Nátt is here." Bucky got up and retrieved the papers from the large owl. Seriously the bird looked more like a vulture than an owl. "Looks like Harry sent us a copy of the evening paper. Oh boy he doesn't look happy."
"Yeah, after lunch the Skeeter woman corralled the Champions together for a group photo. Harry tried several times to walk out but was blocked by the officials. Eventually Snape managed to talk some sense into our boy and they took the photo. Harry made sure to quietly sign that Snape owed him one."
"I bet. Listen to this, 'Hero returns as a Tri-Wizard Champion!' That's an eye catcher 'Exciting news Dear readers! The Savior of the Wizarding world has return! Our savior has undergone a name but has not renounced his Potter heritage.' It looks like she wanted to say he did reject his late father's name and family." Bucky read from the headlines.
"Harry's spell is in effect and she can't bend the truth as much as she wants to. 'Our Savior has said that he has laid the Potter name to rest with his Father James Potter and is embracing his adoptive family's name of Stark and his title as Prince from Prince Loki of Asgard. Yes it is true the gods have returned to our world and will be watching this Tournament very closely.' Well she didn't totally alter the fact so much as she left a lot of facts out. I guess that was her way of controlling the narrative." Natasha stated taking the paper and going over the rest of the article. "She barely touched on the other champions other than their names, ages and the schools they represent. The tournament is described as a glorified battle field to defend the schools' honor."
"Well Harry ain't going to be their perfect Savior/ Pawn. Eat up we got a long night of work ahead of us."
"You're right can't let this good food go to waste. I'll get to the email after I do the dishes." Nat smirked. Bucky was a good cook it was only fair she did the dishes, because that's what good housemate does, no, that's what family does for one another.
A/N: Happy Easter to One and All! The plot Bunnies finished just in time to have their Easter Egg Hunt. Another Chapter done and Next Chapter is the First Task and the Yule Tide Ball. So Hang on it's going to be a wild Ride! Thanks for reading and Keep reviewing! The Plot Bunnies want chocolate Easter Eggs.