3 Broken Hearts, Chapter 15

Disclaimer: The usual, only playing in a very large sandbox. What's recognizable belongs to them what owns the stuff. The rest is my pitiful attempt at entertaining you.

Warnings: hospitals, evacuation of said; no new injuries; there's talk in this about Harry's abuse, some of it from his perspective, waiting for the other shoe to drop, and the team talking about it, so CW child abuse

AN: This chapter is going to wrap this story, obviously turning it into the first installment of a larger series. You'll have to go check out my writing journal (featheredschist dot dreamwidth dot org) to read more about the whys.

The pair left the specialized ward by a side entrance, with Tony receiving instructions on which way was quickest from Steve and JARVIS via their comm-set. They managed the stairwell, Bruce leaning onto Tony by the shoulders in case he weakened. There was nothing wrong with Bruce anymore, aside from the usual post-transformation issues including overwhelming exhaustion, dehydration and hunger.

Ten minutes, and they were directed by oblivious hospital security to the nearest point of egress. Tony breathed a deep sigh of relief that they were free of the hospital, just as they heard and felt a small explosion from somewhere in the building.

"Smoke bomb," Steve curtly informed them when Tony's curse of surprise broadcast to the team. "And Thor went to fry one of the four transformers."

"No permanent damage I hope," Tony mused as he helped Bruce limp across the parking lot closest to the helipad and grassy area where the Quinjet had been parked and made invisible. The tracking module in his armor bracelets helped them find their way to the extended ramp and inside. Tony assisted Bruce in laying down on the single bunk used for when the team had injured during missions.

"Of course not," Steve replied frostily.

"Sorry," Tony said, meaning it. He was still deeply distracted by Bruce's injured state.

Clint had escaped the vents to mingle with the ambulatory patients and staff who were evacuating from the ER. His bow collapsed and stowed in a carry all with his half quiver of arrows that was slung over his back. He veered off as soon as he could to rejoin the rest of the team at the jet. A tiny marker turned on at the top of the ramp was his beacon to safety in the cloaked vessel.

Once inside, he stowed his gear in one of the weapons lockers and made for the cockpit to prep for takeoff.

The rest appeared as they could, in twos and fours, and found their jumpseats to strap into for leaving.

Harry squirmed from between Steve and Natasha as they reached the doorway to the onboard infirmary and ran straight for Bruce and Tony. "Mr. Bruce!", he exclaimed, coming to a stop just a foot from Bruce. Worry had pinched his face into a disagreeable moue and dimmed his emerald green eyes.

"I'm all right, Harry," Bruce said, inviting the boy to sit on the edge of the bunk with him for a moment with a wave of his hand. Tony looked on with an amused smile and happiness lighting his eyes, as Harry made much of looking Bruce over for any visible signs of damage. "My greener half helps me heal," Bruce said as a sort of explanation. They hadn't had time to truly explain the Hulk to Harry, but knew they'd have to, sooner rather than later.

Minerva appeared from the clump of heroes shuffling for their spots and discussing the effect of their sabotage in the hospital and final tally of damage. She went to stand beside Tony, to speak with them both about Harry. "Gentlemen," she spoke quietly, not letting her voice carry and draw more attention to them.

"Deputy Headmistress," Tony responded coolly. He had much to thank her for, and thus tried to refrain from his usual brashness.

"Thank you ma'am," Harry said from the protective embrace of Bruce's arm that he'd pulled across his lap for comfort.

"Harry?" Bruce asked, finally registering that Harry had two bare arms when he'd been wearing a cast only that morning. His hand gently squeezed Harry's right wrist.

Harry looked at Bruce, and shrugged sheepishly, "She used magic! And it fixed my arm, and my sides don't hurt anymore!" His excitement was hard to deny, but Bruce looked up at Tony to check.

Tony nodded, his smile a bit brighter, "Yeah even I can tell magic is good for something occasionally!"

Bruce laughed, and hugged Harry to his chest, making Harry squeal.

Minerva smiled, glad the boy had been found by a good group of individuals. "It was very easy to accomplish," she said, settling into one of a pair of jumpseats just across from the bunk. "Luckily, Harry's own magic had started the process of healing. The spells I used for you, Dr. Banner, only removed the lingering trace magic from Albus' spells. The physical damage done was admirably dealt with by the staff in the hospital."

"Well, I feel great, so I thank you madam," Bruce responded with a smile.

"Minerva, please. I suspect we'll be spending quite a bit of time together as Mr Potter grows up."

"Bruce then, and you already know Tony," Bruce invited with a small smile.

"Mr Bruce was awesome!" Harry gushed, sitting up and leaning forward in his excitement. "He got really big and turned green!"

Bruce chuckled at his enthusiasm, "Yes, and every time that happens, I need you to promise you'll go with whomever of the Avengers asks, okay?" Harry nodded seriously in the face of the solemn earnestness expressed by Bruce.

Minerva looked curious, but wary of another type of shapeshifter, one that could be a danger to the boy, so Bruce explained the Hulk.

"Without going into details that will only confuse, I can say that Hulk is my alter ego, that mostly responds to highly emotional states. These are mainly if I get too angry, or need defending, or if the team needs him. He's not a simpleton, and can speak, though in simple, childish sentences," Bruce described. "When he appears, I grow about three feet taller, and more muscular. Also, my skin tone turns to a bright, emerald or jade green, along with my eyes. It is my eyes and hands that most people use to see how close Hulk is to the conscious part of my mind." With a sigh that seemed to come from deep in his bones, he went on to cover the scarier bits of being around the behemoth. "Basically, when he shows up, never run from him, and try not to be afraid. Those that I consider friends, or in need of protection are largely left alone. Children are always exempt, and frequently start using me as a jungle gym!"

"Well, isn't that something. The only wizards who might change their shape are those we call 'animagi', or 'animagus' for one person. Two other types I know are werewolves and Veela*. I myself am an animagus, taking the form of a tabby cat," Minerva said, her eyes wide in disbelief. "You're sure that Harry is safe with you?"

Bruce nodded, unfazed by her reaction, "Yes, in fact Hulk is very determined to keep him safe. We don't like abusers at all." Minerva watched a shadow of a darker emotion move across Bruce's face along with a flicker of green across the amber of his eyes, and decided she was better off not asking for details. Abuse happened rarely in the wizarding world, most often among the half-bloods and muggle-born families who were surprised by their children's new powers.

Steve joined them briefly to give an update. "Clint says take-off is in 10. Tony," he said, eyes falling to the genius, "Will you?" He didn't finish, he didn't need to. Tony had already decided to make financial reparations to the medical facility.

Tony interrupted with "Yeah Cap, I'll text Pepper to arrange a large donation so the hospital is back up and running. And I'll have her send out whatever equipment they lost in our distraction."

"Good, thank you," Steve sighed, glad one more thing was off his plate. "Bruce, how are you?"

"Apparently all healed, thanks to Minerva, except for the usual."

"Great," Steve was relieved. "Natasha and Brian have gotten us a floor at the Embassy Suites near here, and Coulson will meet us there."

"Sounds good. Harry, you need to be in your own seat," Bruce reminded the seven year old. Harry pouted a bit, but nodded before sliding to the floor to stand and get to an open seat.

Tony stopped him from going far, "Here kiddo, sit next to Minerva and keep an eye on Bruce for me. He can't get up til we're back on the ground." He mock frowned at Bruce, who bit back the laughter threatening explosive release at the serious expression now on Harry's face with this immense responsibility. Tony helped with the harness and gave Bruce a gentle pat on the arm. "See you in a few, when Legolas has us flying mostly straight."

"Yeah Tony. We'll be fine. I have questions for Minerva about magic," Bruce said, flapping one of his hands in a shooing motion. Only the grin on his face spoke to the lighthearted attitude being shared.

"Oh, look out," Tony said with a laugh and a roll of his eyes. "When he gets going, you're in for the long haul," he explained to Minerva, as he grabbed the next nearest seat to strap himself into.

"Like you're any better!" Bruce huffed, ending on a chuckle.

Minerva smiled at their banter, easily reminded of her favorite students, Sirius Black and James Potter. "As I have rather extensive experience in this matter, I will do my best to answer your questions," she offered with a smile.

The jet lifted off, utilizing VTOL* to gain altitude. Clint used the ship comm to inform the team that it would only be ten minutes to the hotel that Natasha had picked out for them to use.

They passed the time discussing possible tests and research angles to help the two geniuses understand how Minerva's type of magic worked.

Clint got them safely to the hotel, landing on the flat roof and powering down the Quinjet that was once again cloaked.*

Standing just outside the roof access door, a uniformed man waited patiently for the Avengers and guests to disembark, go bags* thrown over their shoulders. "Gentleman and ladies, allow me to welcome you to the Embassy Suites, Inverness*. I am James Munroe, and am one of the managers on staff. We have an entire floor set aside for your use." The tall, dark skinned man spoke in accented English as he greeted the team. He turned to open the door, and let them precede him into a short, unadorned gray painted service hallway.

James quickly moved to the front of the group, and led them to an elevator that took everyone just a few floors down. "There is a meeting room at the far end of this floor for your use. Please do not hesitate to call the front desk for anything," he said, passing out key card envelopes for the rooms. He retreated with his task done.

"All right everyone," Steve took brief command, "Everyone pair up and get cleaned up. Order dinner if you're of a mind, and we can meet in 2 hours.* Minerva, if you'd accompany me, we can set you up in a private room?" Steve offered his arm to the witch once more, and led the way down the hall.

Natasha followed, quietly offering to stay with her. Clint took a room near the elevator, while Tony and Bruce escorted Harry to a room more in the middle of the hall. Brian and Meggan took one of the rooms at the end of the hall. Thor joined Natasha and Steve, allowing them to help Minerva, while choosing a room for himself.

Clint dropped his duffel on the bed, and pulled out his Dopp kit* before heading into the bath for a shower. Once out, a fluffy towel wrapped around his waist, he picked up his cell and called Phil for an update. "Hey Phil," he said, as soon as the connection was open.

"Hey yourself," Phil replied. "Everyone okay?"

"Yeah. Bruce is up and about, if a bit weirded out from the magic," Clint relaxed the longer he talked with his partner. They'd been through a lot together over the years.

"That different?"

"Well, the witch that's joined us, McGonagall? She simply waved a little stick over Harry's cast, and poof, healed. Not even Strange can do that."

"I rather think Stephen's magic is of a different variety, Clint."

"I know, it's just, hard to understand. We do weird."

"Or we wouldn't be in this job," Phil finished their traditional 'battle cry'. They shared a laugh.

"So when can I expect you?"

"Forty five minutes"

"Ah, you'll be in time for the meeting then," Clint said.

"Oh?," Phil replied. He hoped he would be able to help his team through this late as crisis.

"Shall I order you dinner?" Clint asked, as he thumbed his way through the in-room menu.

"No, I've eaten. Just coffee is enough. Go, I'll be there as soon as Sansa lands us nearby."

"See you soon then," Clint signed off and put the cell down before grabbing the room phone and ordering himself dinner.

Steve, Minerva, Natasha, and Thor stopped at a room three quarters of the way down the hall.

"Will this do?" Steve asked, using the key card to open the door for her.

"It will suit, Captain," Minerva said, walking inside. Natasha followed. "Are you here to guard me from the others, Ms Romanov, or the reverse?"

"Neither," Natasha said with a brief smile. "I thought to offer some companionship, but if you'd prefer to be alone?"

"I would like to see if the hotel has provisions for magical guests, but I am not sure how to inquire," Minerva admitted, neither confirming nor denying Natasha's offer.

"I'm sure we can figure something out," Natasha assured, looking back at Steve.

"Maybe Meggan knows something," Steve offered with a haphazard shrug. "Rest for now. I'll be just across the hall." He left them, taking Thor with him to the door directly across from the women's room.

"Ms Romanov," Minerva had questions before she would agree to leaving the Potter heir with Muggles, no matter how powerful they appeared to be. She took a seat at the desk, turning the chair to face the rest of the room.

"Natasha, please."

"Natasha then. Do you think Harry will be happy with your teammates?"

Natasha had been expecting this question, and had been turning over possible responses in her head. She didn't wish to be glib, as honesty would help them all in the long run. "I believe that he will be well cared for, and if necessary, the help he might need in dealing with his past. Tony Stark is a very wealthy man, and that means Harry will want for nothing," Natasha started to speak, sitting on the edge of one of the beds to give her attention to Minerva. "Bruce Banner has a huge heart, and that means he will give everything he is to make sure Harry grows up happy. The rest of us are prepared to be as helpful as Harry will allow. None of us," she meant the current roster of heroes, "had idyllic childhoods. Perhaps that can help us understand him better."

Minerva breathed a small sigh of relief and looked at her hands, hands that had shaped the lives of hundreds of children that had come through Hogwarts over the course of decades. Gathering her legendary Griffindor courage, she admitted her sins to Natasha. "I helped Albus Dumbledore place Harry with his mother's sister six years ago. This was against my better judgement, and I vehemently explained to Albus what kind of people they were. Overbearing, without restraint, and entirely too indulging of their son, who was the same age as Harry. I also remembered what Lily had told me of her sister," Minerva looked up at Natasha, her expression conveying old hurts that still caused much pain. "As young children, Lily was close to her sister, until they discovered Lily's magic. Petunia Evans turned against Lily when she realized she wasn't as blessed. This lasted the rest of their lives." She sighed, dropping her gaze. Natasha simply bore witness to the confession, her face bearing a hint of sympathy, but otherwise emotionless. It wasn't for her to condemn or absolve this woman.

"Albus believes that family will always accept family. That family always cares for its own members in times of need. He is quite blind to the realities of how many people live their lives." Minerva had never understood Albus' continued denial of familial abuses, but she did the best she could within the remit of her position of Deputy. "I know that Albus had set someone to keep an accounting of Harry's life with the Dursleys. I read those reports. Harry's abuse started early. And no matter how often it was brought to Albus' attention, he would only say that love would repair the strained bonds within the family. I am unsure if Albus has lost sight of the real world, or if something in his past has left an indelible mark. Harry cannot withstand another such situation, I feel."

Natasha listened to Minerva and offered a bit more information on the Avengers.

"What I'm about to divulge isn't truly a secret, but we don't have this information bruited about." Minerva nodded, accepting the show of trust. "We each have childhoods remarkably like Harry's. Some worse, some better. I believe that can only help as we move forward." Natasha stood, going to the desk where the in-room brochures were. She showed the menu to Minerva, and together, they ordered a simple meal. They would continue to talk about many things, including what to expect as Harry grew into his strength as a wizard.

Bruce ushered Harry into the room Tony had chosen for them, and asked the boy how he was.

"Scared, Mr Bruce," Harry said, his voice quivering from suppressed emotions. He wasn't at all confident that he wouldn't be punished for the admission, but Bruce had entreated Harry to always tell him the truth.

Bruce pointed at one of the beds, and Harry scrambled up into it. They rearranged the pillows so the boy could lean against the headboard. "It was scary, wasn't it? Did you know who that man was?" Bruce gently asked, kneeling next to the bed to diminish his size and appear less dangerous. They'd need to talk over how Harry felt about Hulk, but that could wait until they were back on Muir Island.

Harry shook his head in denial. "Okay, that's fine. We didn't either. Tony says you did really well listening to him," Bruce added, smiling. Harry nervously smiled back. These adults weren't too bad, always looking out for him, willing to listen to him when he expressed fear or doubt. So far, he'd never been punished for any kind of slight, and that made him doubly wary, but also a bit hopeful that things would be different than his time with his Aunt and Uncle. He held a private fear that once the excitement of his arrival, and now, this encounter with the strange man, had died down, some of the abuse was bound to come back.

Tony wandered through the room, depositing his and Bruce's go-bags on the second bed, and tossing a little blue knapsack on Harry's bed. "Clothes in there are for you, little man. But I think Bruce needs a shower first, hm?" He addressed Harry, but the words were mostly a nudge to Bruce.

"Yeah, good idea. Harry? What would you like to eat?" Bruce asked, standing back up. "Fish and chips?" Harry made a yuck face, making Bruce chuckle. "Okay, what do you want?"

"Macaroni, please!"

"Let's see if they..."

"Looking at the list now, Big Guy," Tony said, shaking the menu as emphasis. "Yup, they do have macaroni and cheese. What about you Bruce?"

"Whatever's fine, just order 3 of it. Hungry," Bruce said, heading to the other bed to rummage for clean clothing.

"Sure, burgers and fries will do nicely, I think," Tony said, picking up the room phone. "Hey, see if there's cartoons on tv?"

"Good idea," Bruce turned to look for the remote. Once he'd picked it up from a nightstand, he handed it to Harry, letting him flip through whatever channels were available.

Harry took the device and gave it a look, easily finding the buttons to turn the TV on, and scroll through the channels. He was quietly amazed they were letting him watch anything!

Dinner was quickly ordered for the trio. Bruce got a moment to shower, emerging from the steaming bath with a smile on his face. Tony took his turn in the bathroom, with their food showing up just as he got out. They ate in relative silence, until it was time to attend the meeting.

Harry sat back on the bed, as he had been, holding a bowl of fruit he had been nibbling at once he'd finished his macaroni & cheese.

"We'll be just down the hall if you need us, okay?" Bruce said, leaving his phone behind with instructions to call if he had to. Harry nodded, and shyly smiled as they left, propping the door open with the metal security latch.

Bruce and Tony met Clint, and the newly arrived Agent Phil Coulson, in the hall to the meeting room.

Phil was sans jacket and tie, his only concession to the relaxed atmosphere. He carried a briefcase, bearing a laptop, and a few other odds and ends he hoped would help. Clint appeared much more relaxed and softer, something Bruce attributed to Phil's presence. He wore cargo pants and a purple shirt stretched taut across his upper body.

"Glad you could make it, Agent," Tony said as they walked together down the hall. Coulson was more than just their Liaison, he was still a very active agent and assistant for Nick Fury. Thus, he'd been arranging a meeting with some official for SHIELD business, and had only just gotten away two nights before.

"Glad to be of help, as usual, Stark," Phil replied in a bland tone. He hadn't had a chance to evaluate the situation, and wanted to remain neutral for the moment. While Clint had been keeping him up to date, today's meeting would have the information Phil would need to move forward with adjusting any public files and reports on the incident, as well as helping to push through whatever the team decided about Harry.

"Thanks for joining us, Phil. There's quite a bit of new information at hand, and your talent at cutting through the nonsense is very much appreciated as always," Bruce said diplomatically as they reached the meeting room.

Once there, they found the rest of the team scattered throughout the room. Minerva was settled in a chair at the far end of the large oak table, a silver tea set in front of her, the teapot steaming. Natasha sat next to her, doctoring a dainty teacup to her own tastes. Meggan and Brian were together, opposite Natasha at the table, and quietly talking while waiting for everyone to arrive.

Steve was there at the end of the table closest to the door. He was making himself a mug of coffee from the coffee set placed just in front of that chair. Thor was there, about halfway down the table, almost conspicuous without his armor and bright red, crushed velvet cape. His 'civilian' clothes were quite average for the normal human, but on his frame, they only served to make him stand out just as much.

Bruce and Tony sat on Natasha's side of the table, with Tony reaching for the coffee service, and Bruce for the tea service, nearly at the exact same moment. Minerva watched, an amused slant to her smile, and a gleam in her eye. Natasha sighed fondly, helping Bruce pick out the right tea for him to enjoy from the selection available in a small basket.

Clint and Phil took up opposite sides of the table, a long standing habit of theirs, dating back to when they first worked together in SHIELD. As Phil took his place, he put the briefcase on the table, and popped the lid to withdraw a laptop. This had a secure connection to SHIELD's databases, as well as the one JARVIS maintained for the Avengers, that Phil used to organize all his responsibilities. Clint just took out a small notebook from a pocket in the black cargo pants he wore. The notebook was normally stashed in his go bag, but was regularly digitized whenever he was at the Tower or the Mansion.

Just as Steve was about to bring the meeting to order, a hotel employee knocked on the open door, a push cart beside him. "I have a service of hors d'oeuvres for your group?" He spoke softly, but with purpose. Steve looked toward Tony, who stood and came around the table.

"Sure, we'll just put everything on this side board, okay?" Tony said, directing the young man. The cart came into the room, and the server moved five trays from the cart onto the side board. When he was done, Tony passed him a folded bill of indeterminate denomination in a practiced move, and the man thanked him as he left. Tony closed the door before going to the side board and removing the platter covers. Humming, he transferred a platter of pastries and a crudite platter to the table, placing them about equidistant from each other. He then moved a small pile of plates and napkins from the side board, and then retook his own seat. While everyone had undoubtedly eaten, snacking during meetings was quite normal for them. It kept the fidgeting at bay, most of the time.

Steve started the meeting by asking "Where's Harry?"

Bruce replied, putting his half drained teacup back down on the saucer, "He's in our room, watching cartoons. I gave him my phone for emergencies, and propped the door open in case he needed to come to us."

Steve nodded acceptance, and turned his gaze towards Minerva. "Madam, would you like to begin?", he invited.

Tony pulled a tablet out of his jacket's inner pocket, and put it on the table as Minerva ordered her thoughts. He tapped a few pictograms on the surface and said "I'll be recording this so we can refer back to it, if everyone is okay with that?" He glanced around the table and didn't find any dissent. "Good." He finished arranging the tablet, and leaned back in his seat to listen.

Minerva began, "Everything I need to tell you really begins more than 50 years ago, with a student of my school, named Tom Riddle. Later in his life, he became a Master of the Dark Arts, and decided on a path to conquer English wizarding society." She paused, and took a sip of her tea. "He'd recruited many to his cause, purporting to support blood supremacy. In the last decade and a half, he has been at the forefront of a cleansing not dissimilar to Adolf Hitler's atrocities!" She stopped again, closing her eyes to re-center herself. Anger would not help here. "About a decade ago, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore interviewed a woman for the position of Divination teacher as a favor to an old family."* She sneered a bit, remembering that request, and how it came about.

Tony shared an amused glance with Bruce about the idea of such a subject even being considered for the average education of school age children.

Minerva went on, explaining the prophecy, and how it had affected two families, and their newborns. And how Albus had seemingly engineered the whole affair, at least, in her opinion.

Thor, Meggan, and Brian shared a look of horror at the idea of this school master unilaterally deciding who the prophecy spoke of, forcing it to come to fruition when it was patently unclear who the prophecy referred to, of even if it would be resolved any time soon. Thor's experience with prophecy was enough to turn one's hair white, and the thunderous frown on his face right then boded ill for the previously pleasant weather. Meggan and Brian were both products of prophecy* and knew deep in the marrow of their bones that Prophecy and Fate, have very different ideas on the order of things.

Minerva nodded, confirming their fears.

She went on to detail everything she thought this team would need to know about how the Wizarding World had handled the aftermath, and exactly what happened to the children of the prophecy. The team was happy to note that one of the boys, named Neville Longbottom, was being cared for by the boy's grandmother, and her family. The other boy turned out to be their rescued, formerly abused waif, and that was enough of a reminder to cause Bruce to turn a little green.

Minerva was alarmed, one hand reaching for her hidden wand, but was able to take in the lack of response amongst the others and relaxed. Tony pulled his lover aside, and whispered in Bruce's ear, calming him down. She watched, fascinated, as the color receded from his skin, and Bruce taking deep, meditative breaths.

Phil broke in to ask how hard it would be to convince her superior, and the government of her community, to allow for the boy's adoption, and possible relocation.

"Albus believes in only himself, and his infallibility as 'Leader of the Light'," she began, "he wholly believed that Harry would have a loving home, and you have seen the result of that."

"Surrey," Bruce growled, still mentally wrangling with the Hulk.

"Yes, Dr Banner, that was a magical incident. I unfortunately don't know the correct spells to determine if it was deliberate or an accident," she replied, picking her cup back up for another sip.

"Accident?" Tony asked, with his arm still around the doctor. They retook their seats, but sat closer together. Tony's presence did a lot to keep Hulk appeased during tense situations.

"Defined as magic that occurs during a time of high emotions in wizards and witches. More apt to occur in children and teens. It is also one way we determine strength of ability. The earlier in a child's life an incident occurs, the stronger in magic they are likely to be." She replaced the cup onto the saucer with a slight clink. She clasped her hands together, to keep them from shaking. "I recall Lily Potter sending me letters about Harry's bursts of magic as a baby. The only others who might also know this, are Filius Flitwick, and Remus Lupin. Sirius Black as well, but he's in Azkaban," she explained. "That's the Wizarding prison," she said in response to their questioning looks.

"What is he in prison for?" Steve asked, concerned.

"Betraying the Potters, killing non-magical, and a friend of theirs," Minerva answered, eyes going cold briefly. "Supposedly, he is Harry's Godfather, a role of importance in wizarding culture."

Phil looked over the notes he'd been taking, to try and sum up what they'd need in the future. "I can secure a writ from the British government regarding a streamlined adoption process. Madam," he looked directly at Minerva, "I believe we would appreciate any effort your people can give us to get up to speed in dealing with the magical world. Perhaps contacting and speaking with Mr Lupin and Mr Flitwick should be moved up in the order of immediate concerns?"

"You are correct. The barrister I mentioned, Theodore Tonks, can start the process for accepting the adoption on behalf of the Ministry. Filius can also help you work with the goblins. I will write to Remus as soon as I get back to Hogwarts," Minerva offered.

"And how do we contact you in the meantime?" Phil asked.

"Ah yes. I do not have any other means of contact besides owls. Allow me to consult with Filius to see what can be done. The goblins may have ideas of their own."

The team finalized everything they could from the hotel meeting, working for another hour.

It was decided that Tony stood the best chance of being named as the primary adopter for Harry. The international nature of the Avengers' involvement in the Surrey Incident tangled the issue almost to irreparability. Adding in the fact that a secret government was involved, and Phil knew he'd have his hands full with this Gordian Knot. He had several contacts to drum up, and he'd cash in some favors in order to expedite everything. It would help that Tony and Bruce wouldn't try to leave the country with the boy until they had something, even a tentative approval, in place. The rest of the team could be convinced to go back to New York as needed, in case of an emergency.

"As soon as I get back to Hogwarts, I can have them contact you. Mr Tonks should be reachable by mundane means as he practices law for both sides," Minerva said, accepting a fresh cup of tea from Natasha.

"And how do we manage Harry's occasional bursts of magic?" Bruce wanted the rest of the team to hear what he'd discussed with her on the jet. Minerva launched into a twenty minute lecture on accidental magic and nurturing their young wizard. The group hashed out a few more points before Minerva absolutely had to leave. She could not be absent much longer without sending word to Albus, and she didn't feel comfortable taking a chance that he he wouldn't try to help in some fashion, and show up at her ancestral home unannounced.

Steve offered to escort her to the lobby, tucking her right hand into his left elbow as they cleared the room.

Once downstairs and about halfway across the lobby, a concierge noticed them from her station and recognized Minerva.

"Professor?", the woman asked cautiously, pitching her voice low, but managing to carry across the intervening space. Minerva glanced up at her, and recognized one of her former Lions, a Muggleborn who'd graduated at least four years prior.

"Miss Stein? Well, this is a surprise," she said, extending her free hand to the woman.

Steve eyed the newcomer, who was wearing a dark blue uniform, and a gold plated name tag that read "Rebecca Stein, Front Desk" over her left breast pocket. The woman's brunette hair was tightly bound to the back of her neck in a fashionable chignon, and the wire rim glasses did nothing to hide her sparkling blue eyes. Steve stopped as Minerva did, allowing Miss Stein to come closer. She took Minerva's hand, smiling in welcome.

"Yes ma'am, it is definitely a surprise! What are you doing here?" Her words were abrupt as she kept scanning the lobby. Magicals did not vacation in Muggle establishments unless they too were Muggleborn.

Minerva smiled, "I was called out of the school to deal with a problem at home." She stuck to the story she'd given Dumbledore. "Captain Rogers here," she indicated Steve with that brief introduction, "Is an old friend, and insisted we meet and catch up. Your lovely establishment was the best location for that." She had no idea just how right she was in describing Steve.

"Do you need our apparition point, Professor?" Rebecca asked, confused by Minerva's claim that Steve was an 'old' friend, as the man didn't look older than 35. He could have been a Hogwarts grad, but it wasn't likely. But if her former teacher wanted to meet someone discreetly, who was she to complain or throw stones?

"Yes dear, that would be lovely," Minerva said, before disengaging her hand from Steve's arm. "Thank you, Steve, it was lovely to catch up after all these years," she told him, hoping he'd caught on and wouldn't destroy her cover.

"Not at all Minerva," Steve said, smiling. The feeling he'd had earlier about her became stronger just then, but he didn't have time to ask. He just turned to the hotel employee and gave her a mock stern look. "Take care of our professor now, all right?", he said. "Again, it was good to see you, Minerva," he said in parting, bussing the older woman on the cheek before turning to leave them alone.

"That's not?" Rebecca muttered, suddenly and nearly overcome with how much this Captain Rogers reminded her of the superhero Captain America. But that was just as improbable as her earlier suppositions.

"That's not whom, dear?" Minerva asked for clarification, slightly nervous. If Miss Stein had recognized Steve...

"Never mind," Rebecca shook her head, dispelling such thoughts. There was no reason for Captain America to be in Scotland that she could think of. The news had been quiet all day*. "Come with me, I'll show you where the apparition point is."

Minerva followed the young woman around a corner, and to an unmarked room that was shielded with wards and mostly bare of electronics that would be fried every time someone magical appeared in the room.

"Thank you, Miss Stein. Now, not a word to anyone that you saw me today," Minerva requested as she stepped into the room to familiarize herself with the location.

"Yes ma'am. Have a safe trip home!" Miss Stein said, accepting the need to keep the encounter a secret. Minerva smiled at her and once she was comfortable with the room's location, spun on one heel in a tight circle, and disappeared with a *pop*.

Rebecca made sure the door to the Apparition Room was firmly closed, then turned back to Steve. "Is there anything else I can help you with Captain?", she asked, a smile brightening her face.

"Actually yes," Steve said. He wouldn't be missed upstairs and he wanted no distractions for what he wanted to do. "I'd like to do some research and didn't pack my laptop, and the team doesn't have one to spare right now. May I use your business center?"

His memory wasn't always the best when it came to events in his past. Especially hazy were mission briefings and moments when the Commandos were assigned adjutants the Allied Intelligence Service. The feeling that he knew Minerva had gotten stronger the longer they spent time together. So he had decided to do some research on declassified records from the war about his missions, or the press that occasionally followed him or Peggy, and see if Minerva, or anyone else magical, might have been present.

"Of course. Please, follow me," Rebecca said, raising one arm to point the way.

The room set aside with a bank of computers and other office equipment was tucked in a corner of the lobby and was on a direct sight line with the front desk.

"This looks perfect," Steve said after opening the frosted glass door and stepping inside.

"Excellent! Please let me know if there's anything else I or anyone at Embassy Suites, Inverness can do," Rebecca said. Steve nodded and let the door close behind him as he chose a computer to sit in front of.

Rebecca went back to the desk to finish her shift.

Steve turned on the computer and began his inquiries. He was glad that a lot of World War 2 information had been declassified and made available on the internet for historians and others curious about the war. It made it easier to do the search now, rather than wait til the Avengers were back at base.

He looked up records of the SSR*, and the press attachés he recalled. In a few cases, he had to look up names he barely remembered, of towns they'd liberated, and places where they'd had mission and intelligence briefings. Steve found one website dedicated to the work the Stars and Stripes* had done in preserving photos and accompanying stories. This website had a section on a British military depot that Steve remembered Colonel Phillips commandeering for their use in outfitting the team, and running their intelligence network for the Allies.

He had a vague memory, of a day long briefing in the Map Room. All the command staff were present, including Col Phillips, Peggy, Bucky as Steve's second in command, and Howard Stark, along with some oddly dressed individuals. Steve clicked through another few pages before finding what he was searching for.

There on screen was a group of black and white images of the exact meeting Steve remembered. While the photographer had only gotten Steve's right arm in the photo, there were clear images of Peggy, Col Phillips, and a much younger Minerva McGonagall. Another photo had Minerva standing next to a younger, and unblemished Alastor Moody. That picture, of the two magical beings, showed them looked at one of the Enigma machines sitting on a small table. Steve could recall the discussion about the code, and whether the Allies could help the magical with their problem. The first photo had triggered Steve's memory back to their initial meeting, discussing the influence of some Germanic-Swiss man who led a particular branch of the SS. Steve couldn't recall the man's name, but it didn't matter.

Satisfied, he printed a few copies of each photo, collected the pages, and cleared the browser history on the computer before shutting it down and leaving for the Avengers' floor.

Back in the meeting room, Bruce watched as the members of the team broke off into groups to continue the early work on securing Harry's future with them. Phil had set up a small command center with his laptop, two phones, and a notebook all within reach. He was working on alerting his contacts in the British government, asking them for help.

Clint was assisting, currently on a call discussing with someone about 'making sure the paperwork connected'. He hung up, and gave Phil some information that he'd gotten from his call.

Natasha and Tony were quietly discussing what they'd do next regarding living arrangements for the team while they stayed in England. Brian, Meggan, and Thor sat to one side, comparing notes on magic and what they might be able to teach Harry.

"What else needs to be done, Phil?" Bruce asked, standing next to Phil's seat.

Phil looked up at him, and answered, "We've gotten the ball rolling on the adoption. The agents I know at MI5 should be able to assist us getting the paperwork walked through the appropriate departments. Stark will be listed as the parent. The case with the Surrey police is largely wrapped up in terms of how involved Harry needs to be. The detectives and specialists have assured me that they only need to complete the clean up and then they'll close the case completely."

"Good. Then, if you don't need me, I'll go back to check on Harry and stay there for the rest of the night," Bruce said, standing.

Phil excused him, and Bruce smiled as he left.

Bruce pushed open the propped room door, and was about to call out when he realized the TV was off. He gently closed the door, and went to the bed where Harry was slumped over asleep, an empty bowl next to him, and the TV remote loosely clutched in one hand. Bruce smiled as he rearranged Harry's limp body into a more comfortable and prone position. He pulled up all the blankets and took the remote away. His phone still sat on the bedside table, so he grabbed it, and texted Tony. Thirty minutes later, Tony came in, latching and locking the door as he did so.

"Are you okay?" he asked Bruce, who was in the other bed, under covers, reading.

"Bit tired still. That fight with the Headmaster took a lot out of me," Bruce replied, putting his tablet on the nightstand between the beds.

"Hopefully a peaceful night will help. Phil's arranging the paperwork on the adoption. Harry's adoptive father will be me, until or if we decide to make our relationship permanent," Tony informed Bruce as he changed for bed.

"Guess we should work out who will propose?" Bruce murmured, his brown eyes sparkling and slightly squinted in happy mischief.

"Eh, yeah," Tony answered, distracted by sliding into the bed beside Bruce. He turned sideways and lay against the solid warmth of his partner. Bruce lifted his right arm and curled it around Tony's shoulders.

"Well, I think we did this backwards. Aren't kids after marriage?" Tony quipped as he looked up through his lashes at Bruce.

"We're at our best when we're unconventional," Bruce replied, leaning over to kiss Tony's forehead. Tony leaned up on his elbow so that Bruce could properly kiss him.

After a few minutes of making out, they settled in for the night. Tony moved away from Bruce to let him turn out the reading light. Harry only shifted in his sleep, burrowing deeper into his blankets.

"Our lives will never be the same," Bruce said quietly as he laid down. Tony hummed agreement as he snuggled back in on Bruce's shoulder. Soon, they too were asleep.

*1 - Veela

*2 - VTOL: Vertical Take Off and Landing, US plane types like the A-10, and Harrier have this ability in real life

*3 - Cloaking and uncloaking the jet: assume every time the plane takes off and lands, and for the short flight (30 min or less) the cloak is off

*4 - Go Bags: ready bags packed with essentials and so on for emergency use on long missions, or messy ones

*5 - Embassy Inverness - if there's one in Inverness I've got it in the wrong place; not to mention how the floors are laid out. This is purely arranged to my specifications

*6 - Dopp Kit - another name for a toiletry kit, usually a small zippered bag, sometimes with a handle, that carries things like shampoo, soap, razor, deodorant, etc

*7 - Trelawney is reportedly distantly related to Cassandra of myth

*8 - Brian is not exactly a child of Prophecy, but was born to 'answer the call' of duty laid upon him by Merlyn: characters/captain-britain-brian-braddock

Meggan, as his lover/wife, knows all about this

*9 - SSR: the Strategic Scientific Reserve - SHIELD precursor

*10 - Stars and Stripes: military newspaper that I believe is still in print today