Chapter 45
AN: Beta'd by Sedition, Sam, Issei511 and Kaladin1707!
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Harry didn't need any special skill to sense the barely governed tenseness in the air, shrouding the room in a dense embrace. The thick aura of suspicion, along with a touch of hostility, all directed at the two old men—one comically shorter than the other by half a foot—standing behind the Headmaster's desk; looking for all intents and purposes like evil masterminds that had gravely wronged the present party but insisted on acting clueless.
The volatility in the air was thick enough that one could butter up their bread with it. Even the normally chattering portraits were unusually quiet.
"Or I can go back to using Mr. Dursley if you want," And Ares simply battered at this wall of hostility with pure bluntness. "Though I've been informed…of…its…"
He trailed off, eyes shifting to Lily, now standing beside Harry—her hand, which had been in the midst of sneaking over his shoulder, stilling completely as she suddenly whirled to face the old man, projecting a deep desire of tearing him a new orifice.
"…Or not." Ares smiled disarmingly, hands slightly raised in surrender. "Completely your choice."
Unfortunately, the man was trying a little too hard to seem like a harmless senior citizen.
A rather difficult thing to do when you're known throughout the world for blundering around in a massive suit of red armor, killing people as easily as blowing smoke. Steve Rogers did not earn his title as the God of War by being a peace-loving Buddha after all. And the Potter couple knew it all too well, having deeply researched the man after Harry informed them of their dealings.
Honestly, Harry was almost anticipating a fight to break out now, and the sheer thought sent a shiver of anticipation down his spine. In the last three months, he'd grown by an absurd level, surpassing his past self by a laughably high degree. The chance to test out his new limits in a relatively safe environment—against ancient beings who'd survived for such a long time—would be all too welcome right now.
"Well…" Steve cleared his throat, looking visibly discomfited by the hostile silence. Especially the two sets of Potter eyes that stared at the old men like they were common thugs here to rob the family blind at knife-point.
Harry didn't care. His eyes were rather distracted by the numbers floating above Ares' head, a smile of satisfaction threatening to dominate his face as he realized something worth celebrating.
'I've surpassed Ares.'
Steve Rogers (Ares)
Age: 89
Race: Human
Level: 42
Health: 450/450
Stamina: 410/410
Stats
Strength: 41
Speed: 41
Dexterity: 45
Vitality: 43
Endurance: 40
Intelligence: 42
Wisdom: 43
Not only had he surpassed Ares, but he'd done so by a vast margin.. Being almost thrice as fast and twice as strong, Harry's confidence in his ability to crush the old man—widely recognized as the most fearsome enemy by Hydra—stood incredibly firm right now.
And all without the use of magic.
Though this was, of course, discounting the gray-haired man's equipment—the main source of his legendary title—including a sword capable of cutting through magic.
'I simply haven't seen him in his battle armor enough to form any solid conclusions.'
That could pose a problem. The armor must give him tons of bonus stats. Harry had no doubt he'd get a terrible twinge of jealousy if he observed the man in his battle armor.
After all, there had to be a reason for the abject fear and awe the man inspired amongst all. But even then, Harry suspected Captain Ares did not stand anywhere near the top of this world.
Not when beings like Dumbledore still roamed the planet.
That did not take away from Harry's achievement of course. If Ares could survive upon this world for 89 years, and live through an entire war while fighting alongside Captain America, then there was no reason that Harry wouldn't survive for at least another year or two.
'And that should be enough for me to bridge the gap to the truly powerful.'
Stifling a hum of satisfaction, Harry ignored the four figures that were engaged in a contest of out-staring each other, his eyes scanning the room, absently dismissing the system message of a new Dungeon's discovery—for now.
The Headmistress's office was shaped like a spherical dome, its curved walls giving him a sense of standing inside an enlarged snitch that had a flat base and top.
He had a feeling that the room used to be much messier before the appointment of their current headmistress.
There were five of them currently present in the office. Three Potters—standing on the other side of the desk—and the two senior citizens, directly opposite them.
James had his arms folded, his wand—still clutched in his hand—was conveniently hidden behind the back of his arm, ready to cast at once as he stared down the two men.
Lily, on the other hand, had finally succeeded in wrapping an arm behind Harry's back—slowly and carefully—giving him a reassuring smile that he didn't really need.
Not that he minded; the comforting warmth of her arm gave him a foreign sense of protection, unlike anything he'd experienced before.
It helped that he could feel the softness of her heavy breasts pressing up against his side. Just the sheer feeling of them squeezed up against his chest completely surpassed the pleasure he'd derived from all the snogging and fondling he'd done to his two girl-friends throughout the month.
Though he was a little surprised when he activated his mutation—almost an instinct now—hoping to discover at least a little desire in her…after all, it would be all too easy to fan the flames of existing desire than create new ones through Pheromones…
Yet, as his ability focused, he realized that he couldn't feel the pheromones usually released from a person's skin on Lily…
He did, however, manage to glean a muted sense of need and contentment wafting from her body when she succeeded in enveloping him in her arm.
It didn't take long for Harry to come to a firm conclusion.
'Occlumency.'
Harry frowned. 'It must be capable of controlling the pheromone secretion…I will most likely need to release my entire batch of sexual pheromones to pierce through the mental shield.'
At Level 15, his mutation enabled him to influence a being's sexual reactions by sending a wave of pheromones through whatever part of the body they typically secreted it. For humans, the pheromones—he'd observed—mostly came from sweat, spit, and skin, while also being concentrated around the head.
'Occlumency shouldn't be capable of stopping one's body from feeling the rising arousal', Harry theorized…'but it can certainly stop the said person from acting upon it.'
After all, it is your mind that guides your action most of the time. And Occlumency created an impenetrable shield over it that could stop his efforts short.
Though he didn't blame Lily for it.
Had he not been trained to approach most situations calmly, he would be needing Occlumency's assistance as well.
It truly was a surprise to see Ares' uninvited figure present in the castle, something he wouldn't have dreamt of, in his wildest dreams.
The Director of S.H.I.E.L.D in Hogwarts? It was almost like his two different worlds had clashed together, the past coming forth to meet the present…
And Harry had yet to decide how he felt about it.
"Harry…" Ares started yet again, trying to cut through the thick tension with a forced cheer. "It really was a pleasant surprise to hear from you again."
"Ares." Harry finally addressed his former superior, giving a brief nod as his eyes scanned the short man up and down. "I expected a letter."
A ghost of a smile flickered over the man's face. "That was my first intention as well. But the recent meetings with Mr. Dumbledore here convinced me that our subject today will need a more…personal briefing."
He felt Lily's arms tighten around him, her glare intensifying substantially, now directed from Dumbledore to Ares.
"And what, exactly, is this subject that dragged you to a different continent?" Lily's words cut through the room like the sharpest of blades.
Harry stifled a chuckle as Ares' eyes flickered to her in unease. "It is a subject pertaining to his past…"
The eyes shifted back at him. "I assume you've informed them of your contract with us?"
Harry raised a brow. "I have indeed."
"Well…" Ares took a deep breath, giving a brief glance to the Minister, a silent plea in his gaze.
Dumbledore chuckled. "I believe my work here is almost done. This next part is yours. As I promised you, should you manage to convince all the parties involved, you may proceed with your mission."
Then the old wizard bowed, curtseying gracefully. "Please…the stage is yours."
With that, the Minister backed away, taking the only chair available behind the Headmistress's desk.
With a sigh, the shorter man picked up a sage-green file—hidden beneath a plethora of devices cluttering the desk—and addressed Harry.
"This file here contains all the current missions available for you as of now," Ares announced with no further preamble, pushing the file to slide across the desk. "The reason for my personal visit pertains to the last one; a level seven mission, highly sensitive. The people aware of its existence can be counted with two hands."
Harry didn't move to pick up the file.
"I shouldn't have the authority to open this then." He frowned. "I'm not a level seven agent."
"You will be, if you accept." Ares replied. "It comes with the job."
Harry nodded slowly, not giving away his thoughts. 'Now this is definitely surprising.'
A level 7 S.H.I.E.L.D agent had an incredibly high level of authority, not only within the agency, but even in the outer world. To place such power in the hands of someone whose loyalty was not secured seemed the epitome of foolishness.
Harry knew the current Director of S.H.I.E.L.D was anything but foolish.
'They must be truly out of options….or it is a trap.'
Perhaps Harry did not hide his feelings as well as he thought, for Ares leaned down on the desk heavily, letting Harry see just the slightest bit of desperation hidden beneath the depths of those blue eyes. "You know I do not like handing you missions like these, Harry. But I simply do not have any other choice right now, you're the very best there is. Widow is the only one who comes close to your level of expertise in fields like these. Without you, this mission will gain an unnecessarily higher level of difficulty that might just cost me good, loyal agents."
Harry's suspicions were already drowned out under a new emotion, his brows rising up on their own accord. "Romanoff will be present as well?"
Ares must've misunderstood the reason behind his sudden interest, for the nod he gave was grave and cautious. "Two of our best will accompany you, should you accept. We aren't dealing with normal humans Harry, but beings capable of fighting Super Soldiers. Imagine an army of Romanoffs, and you'll understand exactly why I'm so concerned. Had it not been damaging for our mission's objectives, I would've personally accompanied the two. As it is, you are the best agent for this task that S.H.I.E.L.D has access to."
Accept Quest [A Gang of Widows]? Y/N
Accompany your team to Budapest ( )
? ( )
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? ( )
Rewards:
1500 XP
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Harry hummed in forced unconcern, not willing to show the inner him that was jumping in joy.
James however, had no such limitations as he dragged the room's attention onto himself with an ugly snort. "Your best option, Mr. Ares, is an eleven year old wizard who has just started attending Hogwarts?"
He must've felt Harry's glare for he glanced to the side with a quick 'sorry!'.
Ares raised an eyebrow, seeming to stare down the much taller man. "You must not know him well enough if you really think that's all he is, Mr. Potter."
Harry ignored the duo, sniping the file off of the table as he was released from Lily's iron hold—who thundered forth beside James to interrogate the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
He needed to know exactly what made the usually infallible man so desperate before he accepted the quest.
Though if he could confirm its validity…he was already certain that his decision would be positive. The idea of going on a mission to fight beings above normal humans seemed almost entirely tailor-made for him…while Natasha's presence would give his mutation a chance to progress as well.
The only reason it didn't add to his suspicions of this whole thing being a trap was the presence of the second being, most likely Barton—who would be there to ruin some quality experimentation time.
'Well…maybe that second person is Melinda or Maria…or perhaps even Kara!'
That'll give him twice the targets to have fun with!
His elation renewed, Harry quickly opened the file, skipping past all the minor missions and navigating directly to the relevant one.
It was a shame his expectations were disappointed by the very front page of the mission…
'Barton it is then.' He grunted. 'Still…better than nothing.'
Just the sheer chance to test his skills against beings other than teenage wizards was a welcome one.
Thus, recovering some of that lost eagerness, Harry Potter dove into the mission's briefings, uncaring of the rising voices of his parents interrogating his superior.
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An hour later…
"Do you genuinely think we will just let you take him away so easily?" Lily's quiet fury—colder than ice & sharper than a jagged rock—brought the temperature of the room down on its lonesome. "Should Harry agree, you better believe we're accompanying him across the continent."
"That is…agreeable Mrs. Potter. But please understand you cannot take part in this mission any more than a civilian can."
"And how are you any different from this Hydra then?" James' skeptical voice rang in the office next. "They use child soldiers, you use child soldiers. If one squints enough, you would look like two sides of the same coin."
The arguments of the adults had yet to end, though there was food to be had and drinks to cool them down; an elf being kind enough to arrange a large serving of apple pie, along with an assortment of dishes that Harry had no interest in touching.
He himself sat staring at the arguing adults while nibbling on some biscuits, feet dangling above a high conjured chair—courtesy of the Minister, though Harry suspected he purposely made it so high—as he enjoyed the show.
It had been late in the evening by the time he'd finished with the file. The mission seemed relatively simple from the eyes of someone who'd done much more complicated things in much more convoluted ways. Reaching Budapest without the local government's knowledge was probably the truly troublesome part of this mission, and Harry had nothing to do with it.
Sure, for his past self, he would judge this mission's threat to be quite considerable. But for the current him, he'd be surprised if he struggled for his life at any point in the mission.
Though the idea of there being multiple Black Widows did brew a splash of uncertainty within him. Natasha Romanoff was a name that enjoyed almost equal amounts of fame as Ares and Hawkeye. Just a few months after her arrival in S.H.I.E.L.D., her name was joined with the other two enemies in the short list of people every Hydra agent was ordered to avoid. Including Harry.
The idea that there might be more like her…
…Actually excited him a little.
He'd been beginning to fear that he'd already seen the worst this world could throw at him, wondering if all his preparation for the future might be useless and unneeded after all. But this revelation proved that there was a lot he'd yet to see and experience.
This was a large and mysterious world, and Harry had barely started on his journey of carving himself a piece of it.
Up ahead behind the desk, Ares let loose a half-defeated sigh. "Perhaps you're right. Perhaps we really aren't as different as we like to pretend we are. But there is one thing here that separates us from them, Mr. Potter, and it is your son's ability to reject the mission if he so wishes. Should he do so, there would be nothing for me to do here but leave."
Then he spread his arms, head bowing slightly. "I will not lie; before meeting with the Minister, I'd fully expected Harry to reject the mission out of hand. It simply doesn't seem worth it for him, and my opinion of Harry has always been inspired by his utterly mercenary heart. He has a new life now; family, friends, school, and most of all; freedom and security. And I understand how my presence might seem like someone here to steal them away from him."
Then the man raised his chin, turning his head to peer at him with grave solemnity. "But I assure you, Harry, I wouldn't be here had you not been our very last option. Not just because of your prior training and general competence, but also due to this mission being far too sensitive to drag in any new member. A single leak of information could yield results as grim as the one in Vanchat's Gulag, a mission you know all too well about. Call me a fool, but I trust you far more than a battalion of trained Aurors that I've recently been offered…no offense intended, Albus."
"None taken." Beside him, the Minister patted his arm. "Though I'm sure we're all curious to hear from Mr. Potter himself. The smaller one, I mean."
Four sets of eyes turned to him slowly.
Harry cared not, eyes pinned upon Ares, scanning the man's supposed moment of weakness for any signs of deceptions.
He found none.
Either way, he already knew his answer, having had more than enough time to sort through the shower of information. Yet, there were things that made him feel blind, and he'd be foolish to put his trust in anything that he did not understand completely—aside from his system, of course. He doubted there was any being capable of understanding it save for its creator.
Thus, his mind quickly worked through some of the doubts bubbling within his heart, intending to get all the answers. "Before that, I need to know…you keep alluding to your meetings with the Minister. Am I to understand that he does have an interest in sending me to America?"
The Minister coughed lightly, peering down at him, bright blue eyes staring from above his half-moon spectacles with a bemused smile. "You might find the Minister standing right here, Mr. Potter."
Harry shot him an irritated look. "I was asking Steve."
The old man chuckled, nodding sagely. "Ahh, but so you did. It would be quite wrong of me to answer in his stead then. I suppose I must simply sit here pretending to be a mannequin while you two discuss my humble personage."
"Well…I won't say America specifically," Ares replied unprompted, ignoring the older man's ramblings. "But he certainly does not wish to stop you from achieving, what he believes, is your true potential."
Rogers glanced at the Minister, but Harry doubted he got anything out of the benignly calm façade the warlock wore—eyes hiding knowledge of untold depths.
"And if it means sending you to America," The short man continued, eyes shifting back to Harry. "He will do his best to meet your needs."
Harry nodded slowly, new possibilities brewing in his mind.
'The Minister can't have anything to do with Hydra, that much was certain the last time. There has to be another reason for his interest in me.'
His eyes scanned the Minister carefully, taking in the twinkling eyes, the long, gray beard, the pale white flowing robe falling past his feet…
'Perhaps I can make use of this interest…'
"If I am to do this," Harry started cautiously. "I will need some special permissions."
Dumbledore chuckled. "Perhaps you do, perhaps you do not. I can only decide once I hear your demands. So ask away, dear boy."
Harry did not like this man. He truly hoped once he became the epitome of Sage, his future self wouldn't shove his 'wisdom' into others' faces in the most annoying of ways.
"Permission to use magic outside the halls of Hogwarts." He started before the flamboyant man could change his mind.
"Naturally."
"Better yet, I want whatever trace is on me to be removed." Harry rectified.
Zabini had brought the information to his attention in one of their study sessions, while whining about not being able to use magic in Italy. The explanation was more than alarming enough for Harry to run his own thorough research into the subject.
Apparently, a non-adult wizard did not have the permission to use magic outside of Hogwarts…something he knew he would never follow, even if it meant risking expulsion.
Though Ron's confused inquiry as to 'how were the twins able to use magic in their home then' gave him hope. Also the fact that he and the midget had used plenty of spells before coming to Hogwarts.
Whatever piece of magic this was, it wasn't unbeatable or omnipotent.
But while he'd certainly imagined a much worse situation in his mind at first, the reality was still worrying enough for him to proceed…cautiously.
Now however, he had the chance to shove the entire problem straight to oblivion.
The Minister hummed, eyes not leaving Harry for a single second. It was suspicious enough for Harry to quickly take a plunge into Occlumency just to check if the man was reading his mind, having somehow beaten the Gamer's Mind.
He wasn't.
"The trace, Mr. Potter, is on your wand." The Minister finally replied. "It will naturally dissolve once you become of age. Though I can certainly see why you would wish for…yes, very well. I think it is a reasonable request. What else?"
Harry's brain worked in overdrive, quickly coming up with a list of things only the Minister of Magic could grant him.
"Permission to learn and use Apparition whenever I want."
"Another reasonable request. I shall let your Headmistress know that you and Lily will be using the castle grounds for practice purposes. Anything else?"
Harry tilted his head. 'How much can I push him?'
"Permission to use Unforgivables."
The smile dropped. Something changed in his eyes, the mischievous twinge disappearing behind something far graver. For a long moment Dumbledore held his eyes, and Harry was reminded he was facing a being that out-leveled everyone in this room by a very large margin.
Power, unlike any, swirled around him with an almost visible aura. He could see his parents stiffen up, wands now at ready, looking about to start casting any second now…
Then the spell broke, and the Minister nodded slowly. "I've been made aware of your past, and do not hold you responsible for their blatant usage. But you must understand, Mr. Potter…the Unforgivables are named such because they are, in fact, crimes that cannot be forgiven. My understanding will not be shared by the rest of the population, so be very careful on how you use them."
Stunned, Harry kept quiet for a long second. 'He actually said yes?'
After that display of power?
Why?
"Of course." Harry gave a belated reply, the image of the powerful warlock still on his mind, intermixing with the confusion of his acceptance.
"I shall personally teach you how to Apparate." The Minister suddenly announced. "Hmm…how would you say a week before your winter holidays? I do need to make some time on my schedule."
"That…will not be needed, I'm sure." Harry replied slowly. "My parents are more than capa—"
"Ahh, but you misunderstood me, Mr. Potter." The Minister stared at him with the same, all-knowing eyes. "It is not an offer, but a requirement for the permissions you've requested. Two hours, from weekend-next, on the castle grounds. You're brilliant enough that I doubt you'd need more than a week to learn it, just enough time for your vacations to begin. I shall unravel a part of Hogwarts wards to accommodate us. Wait for my letter. Good day to all."
With that he turned around, a hand extending out to Steve, who turned to him one last time.
"Thank you, Harry."
Then they disappeared away into the softest crack of air.
Only then did Harry realize the Minister hadn't even let him give the final 'Yes' to the mission.
Quest [A Gang of Widows] in Progress!
Accompany Romanoff and Barton to Budapest ( )
Help them avoid capture ( )
Help them return alive ( )
Save all the Widows you encounter ( )
? ( )
Rewards:
1500 XP
2500 Xp
2500 Xp
3000 Xp
?
Infuriating bastard.
"Well then..." James clapped his hands, looking mildly disturbed. "A family trip to America...who would've thought."