743Disclaimer: 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 64 "Happy Bloody Christmas"
"Alright Bowie, what are we doing in Alfheim?"
"My dear Man of Iron, we are here to get the God of Mischief a present." Jareth smile as the walked to a small cottage off the edge of the forest.
"Oh and what are we going to find way out here in the middle of nowhere?" Tony complained as he waved his hands dramatically. "Where are we?"
"We are at my sister's cottage. She has a cute little hobby; actually it's a family tradition. The members of my family breed magical Animals. My Mother has bred Jinx and Owls, I breed Jinx and my sister breeds PuffPups. It is a small breed of magical dog. It looks almost like that muggle dog Pom-something."
"Pomeranian?"
"Yes, it is a small fluffy fur ball that camouflages itself when frighten or causing mischief. They also have the ability to become transparent mostly used as a defense so they can not be captured unless they want too."
"Another animal? Are you trying to turn my house into a zoo?"
"A Magical Zoo, dear Anthony. My friend has always loved animals but rarely had time to have one of his own. I believe with Haraldr at school and you coming and going all the time Loki needs a companion."
"He's got Jor."
"As much as we all love the little snake, Haraldr is going to need him at the school when he returns from break. This little PuffPup will be perfect for him." Jareth smiled before knocking on the cottage door.
"How do you know that?" The genius asked but was ignored.
"Blessed be Brother and greeting to you Prince Anthony of Midgard." Evelynn greeted opening the door for her guests.
"Blessed be Sister."
"Hi call me Tony." The former mortal bowed entering the cottage. The little cottage was warm and welcoming it was a lot bigger on the inside. It must be a magic thing.
"My brother tells me that you are looking for a companion for Prince Loki."
"I'm thinking about it. I've never seen a PuffPup before."
"Come than to the garden Prince Frodo has been helping me with this litter as they have been a bit more rambunctious." Evelynn smiled. The Elf led them to the glass doors leading to the back garden. There among the flowers was the Halfling surrounded by what looked like floating puffs of fur. To Tony they looked like floating cotton balls of different colors.
"Hey Frodo, why are they flying?"
"Greetings Prince Anthony, the Pups are happy so they float around like butterflies. PuffPups are most popular pet among children of the shire." Frodo stood up and gathered the happy colorful puffs.
"Prince Frodo has been helping me with this year's litter." Evelynn smiled with a slight reddening of her pale cheeks.
"That is kind of Prince Frodo." Tony commented. He gave Jareth a knowing look tilting his head to the Halfling then darting his eyes to the king's sister. Jareth was no fool if he was a friend of Loki's then he was as smart as they come. He watched as the Goblin King connected the dots in an instant and looked at him in surprise. Tony just nodded his head then went back to looking at the pups as sign to just act normal. "Hey why is that little guy hiding?"
"That pup is from another litter from a different breeder. She was ignore by the mother and its littermates wouldn't let it feed. I felt sorry for her so I took her into my care and my Tulip took her is as her own. This little one was too traumatized to be close to anyone. I am afraid she will never find a home because no one wants a puff who always afraid. I have tried to show her love and care but she seems not to trust me. I don't want her to die but PuffPups don't live long without love."
"I'll take her then I have an idea on a way to help her depression. Come on Bowie I got some more shopping to do and I think these two are busy with these happy puffs floating away." Tony noticed both kids blushing and looking any where but each other. This little distraction allowed the pups Frodo was holding to drift away. "I'm serious they are floating away."
"He's right they are flying away Eveie Darling." Jareth chuckled and pointed to the pups that were passed the short garden fence and off to the fields.
"Oh no! Frodo we must catch them!" Evelynn squeaked and took off running with Frodo hand in hand.
"Well I guess that is our cue to leave. Come here sweet girl let's go and find you a friend." Tony picked up the little black and tan puff and cuddled it close."
"A friend? I thought Loki was to be her friend."
"Well Bowie, since Harry came into our lives, I have learned that one friend is not enough to heal all the hurt inside. This little one needs a lot more love than she realizes. So let's find her another magical friend." Tony explained as he followed his host through the fields of Alfheim.
"You are very smart indeed, even by our standards let alone mortal standards. How did you know about Eveie being smitten with young Frodo?"
"That was easy. I've been around enough women over the years to notice when they like someone for company, for love or Money. The slight change in their posture or the way they say the name of their crush. Eveie was just like that when talking about Prince Frodo, and her cheeks were a bit pink and she smiled when taking about him. I think in another fifty years they might even confess to each other."
"Oh I hope not Mother will want grandchildren by then and I am currently busy being king." Jareth scoffed. "So Eveie and Frodo had better speed up their courtship."
"Well from what I heard you are in a slow courtship yourself and a dangerous one at that."
"That's absurd! Who told you that?" Jareth stopped in high offence.
"My not so subtle brother-in-law told me and a room full of spies that you want to date my insane sister-in-law. This news sent my husband into planning mode and is currently picking out the flowers for your funeral." The genius laughed.
"Thor, of course, why am I not surprised? Loki has always claimed Thor was an oaf with a big mouth, but I always thought he referred to his constant eating habits. I shall have to see if one of my Jinxes will be able to put him in his place." Jareth rubbed his hands ready to plot.
"No! We don't need another Jinx; Shadow is enough! You and Loki can have your revenge when you all are not on my home planet; that way I don't have to pay for the clean up."
"Very well, I will talk to Loki later then, for now let us find another companion for your husband's companion." Jareth agreed placing a hand on Tony's shoulder before transporting them off Alfheim.
XxXxXxXxXx
The manor was all decked out in Christmas decorations and all were waiting for Harry to arrive. Natasha and Yelena were decorating the tree together something they hadn't done since they were children. Alexei was trying to get Steve to arm wrestle him while Melina was talking science with Bruce and Tony. Clint and his family would arrive on Christmas Eve with Dr. Strange, Wong, and Theo, and then the Asgardian would invade their home on Christmas day.
"Winky, can you tell James we need more fire wood. He's house for some reason."
"Master James is at the stables preparing to take the eight legged horse to get Master Harry." The little elf informed Loki as he hung up the stockings.
"James is going to ride Sleipnir? Has he gone insane? No mortal can handle that horse. How is Sleipnir even here?"
"I brought him last night baby brother. I decided that I needed a little break from the dead as they can be life draining around the holidays. The man of winter has away with Sleipnir and you know that he is not quiet human he has bit Magical. He'll be just fine. Plus Sleipnir will be more than happy to pick up Haraldr." Hela said waltz into the room carrying a pitcher of egg nogg. The God of mischief eyed the pitcher wearily sensing she might have spiked it with either Asgardian mead or dwarvin honey whisky; neither were safe for mortals.
"Don't worry Loki; this batch is just for Thor and I. The other one is safe for mortals."
"Dwarvin whisky it is than. I'll take a glass before you drink our brother into oblivion." Loki sighed as he held out a small green goblet he just conjured.
"There you are Baby Brother." Hela poured the egg nogg. "So when are we going to torture that cruel toad of a woman.
"Have you started dipping in to the whisky; your vocabulary is very mild."
"I maybe had at least three glasses as I made the egg nogg to make sure it was well balanced." Hela shrugged.
"Balanced in your favor you mean," Loki rolled his eyes. "Well I had wanted to storm the castle but Haraldr wrote me to say he had things under control. This was not true as he froze her in a block of ice and I was summoned to free the witch. I had to alter her memory so Haraldr wouldn't be persecuted."
"It must have taken hours to defrost the toad." Hela laughed pouring a glass of egg nogg for herself before vanishing it to the feast table.
"It would have if I hadn't had the foresight to call on my Clan brother Helblindi. We have been in contact for awhile now and we have talked about our childhoods. It came out that while I was even tempered as a child he was not thanks to Laufey training. Just as magical children here on Midgard have emotional acts of magic Jotun can have accidents with their temperature control. Now Helblindi has magic and ice so he would have accidents like Haraldr tuning thing into blocks of magical ice. It would take a lot of magic to melt it because as you know Jotunheim is a Frozen Realm. So magic is the only way to melt the ice. Since my magic would be drained if I tried to melt Haraldr's ice, I needed help. Helblindi was very understanding and personally made the heating medallion making as powerful as he could because Haraldr is more powerful then any Jotun across the realm. Captain Krillan escorted me back to Midgard and showed me how to use the medallion it was quick and efficient. So I was disappointed that she remembered what happened and was ranting that she would send my son to their mortal prison called Azkaban. I may have been a bit angered at her threats and used a bit more power than needed to put her to sleep."
"Oh? Baby Brother did you knock her out like you use to put Thor to sleep when you were upset with him?" Hela asked eyes shining with glee.
"I might have." Loki muttered taking a deep sip of his drink.
"I would have loved to see the toad fly cross the room and into the stone wall." Hela's laughed filled the room.
"Brother, why is our sister happy? I have this stranger feeling that I should flee this realm for safer lands." Thor asked with a nervous expression on his face.
"Worry not Thor, I was just telling her that one of Haraldr teachers needed to be put asleep so I could alter her memories."
"Yes Little Loki used the same spell he had used on you since we were children."
"Ah, yes your spells had quite the impact on me. Eventually, I learned not to disturb your studies." Thor winced at the memory. When they were young he always had too much energy and wanted to go out for adventures but he didn't want to go alone. His friends would often be busy with their families doing chores and whatever lessons that the local scholar would bestow upon the children. Thor would often seek out Loki to join him on his adventures but his brother was always busy with his magic studies and did not like to be disturbed. When he was interrupted Loki would blast Thor with a spell that sent him into the wall knocking him out for hours if not days at a time.
"So Thor, when do Mother and Father arrive?" Loki asked.
"On the eve Yule as Mother is making something special for Haraldr."
"Delightful, Mother is always very clever with her gifts. Well now that you are here we can begin our little challenge. I have prepared the egg nogg with Dwarvin Whisky just waiting for us."
"Please Sister, wait until Haraldr is asleep before you start he needs a rest; he does not need to be doing damage control between the two of you. The Man of Winter will be home will return Haraldr soon so please restrain yourself. Winky is dinner almost ready?"
"Yes Master Loki it is ready for when Master Harry arrives. Winky also made a red velvet cake for dessert." The little elf said proudly.
"Perfect, now go finish wrapping Anthony's gifts for everyone. Norns knows he is all thumbs when it comes to wrapping."
"Yes, Master Loki." Winky bowed before popping off again.
"You know I am hurt by your words, Reindeer games." Tony chuckled wrapping his arms around Loki's waist from behind.
"No, you are not or you would not be laughing; besides you know it's true."
"Yeah, I know. I am a genius but I can't wrap a present to save my life. Okay you got me. When is our little Hare-bear going to be home?"
"Soon Anthony but how are you getting along with Natasha's Mother?"
"Great I can see why Harry spoke so highly of her. Bruce and Melina get along like house on fire. Alexei on the other hand is a handful and is pushing the limits on Cap's patience."
"Ah yes the old Soldier wants to test his Serum against the original. I can understand that, but it will not be today. Yelena is already dragging him off with a freshly open bottle of vodka while Natasha is smoothing things with Rogers. See she has offered the three legged cat to comfort him."
"That's good, poor cat looks like he needs the comfort just as much as Spangles. God I want to kill that Bitch of a witch."
"You are not the only one. The Princess was able to save the poor creature but it will have trauma from this and major adjustments with its new leg next month." Emerald eyes met brown as Loki turned to face his husband. "They could just leave the cat as it is. I've seen animals that lose limbs and they adjust just fine." Tony suggested.
"That is true but our son would believe that it is his fault that Alpine could not be whole again. He took the cat to the Princess because he knew she could give the cat a new leg like she had done for James. The cat could live without its leg but our son could not, so it is more for Haraldr's peace of mind than Alpine's."
"You make a good point Slim. Okay I'll drop it."
"Smart, I knew there was another reason that I loved you."
"Another reason what was the first reason?"
"I would have to say it was your tight ass, but what can I say it was purely physical." Loki smirked and gave him a quick kiss before slipping away to finish preparing for Christmas.
"Hey you can't tease me like that and then just leave!" Tony called out really wishing he had looser pants on.
"Looks like the Iron Man was just left cold." A voice laughed from behind him.
"True but don't kick a man when he's down Yelena, that's no fun." Natasha chuckled bumping her sister with her hip.
"Ha, ha, weren't you two across the room a second ago?"
"We were but its more fun over here. I can see who Гарри gets his charm from and it is not you." Yelena laughed.
"Yeah that's Loki's thing Tony's thing is building stuff. Come on Tony lighten up you'll get your sex god later tonight. Now is the time to warm up your Poker face let's see who's the better liar." Natasha held up a deck of cards in challenge.
"Me against two Spies? You're on, and I am not holding back."
"Good neither are we." The blond retorted with a smirk. The genius gave the sisters a shark like grin and led them to his poker table. Taking them to the cleaners would be a good way to pass the time until Harry got home.
XxXxXxXxXx
"Morning Hare-Bear."
"Morning Dad." Harry turned to see Tony walk out to the be-spelled balcony where he was watching the snow fall around the land.
"Looks like you beat me to the hot chocolate, Buddy." Ever since that first Christmas it had become a tradition for the two of them to wake up before everyone on Christmas Morning. It was their special time together no one but the two of them.
"Well, you had to try and compete with Aunt Hela and Uncle Thor. What were thinking? The Iduun Apple does not make you an Aseir just a more durable human." Harry smiled as he poured the Hot Chocolate for his dad.
"Yeah, yeah, I heard it all from your father last night and I got banished to the couch last night. So how's the patient?" Tony asked taking a sip of the perfect cup of hot chocolate. Nodding the basket near the fireplace where the cat was sleeping and the jinx standing guard.
"Alpine is adjusting fairly quickly but he is still traumatized. Shadow is a comfort to him but I am not sure he will enough long term. Maybe Uncle Steve and Bucky could get him a friend this summer."
"This summer why not now?"
"I am going to leave Shadow here. Umbridge doesn't allow Shadow in the dorms or outside the charms class room. He can't stay confined to the founder's quarters either so he should stay here with Alpine. Besides I am taking Jörmungandr back to school with me." Harry watched with a smirk as his jumped at the sight of appearing wrapped around his shoulders.
"AH! Damn it! You guys you know I hate it when he does that! Harry are you sure you want to take your Father's live scarf to school? You never know where he'll pop up." Tony jumped back from his son and snake.
"That's why he needs to come with me, because he can get around Umbridge and help when I need it." The young Stark sighed rubbing the smooth scales of the Snake God wrapped around him.
"Come here buddy sit with your old man a bit." The genius gestured to the chairs next to the outdoor coffee table.
"Come on Dad your not that old."
"Listen to the boy Tony; we Stark men age like a good scotch slow and smooth."
"AH! DAD! What the hell? What is this,' Try to kill Tony by heart attack Day?' What are you doing here Dad?"
"It's Christmas Tony; it's a time for family."
"Christmas at the Stark House wasn't really a family thing it was a performance." Tony snapped out at the ghost standing between him and his son.
"Dad, Grandpa is trying; please can you try to get along while he's here?" Harry pleaded. He knew bringing his Grandfather here was a risky move but he needed to work on their healing. His dad had a lot of issues with his grandfather and it can sometimes distract his dad from the here and now when they needed him most.
"Fine! Truce because it's Christmas, and are you actually drinking scotch?"
"Dad, it's not real but a manifestation of what Grandpa did often in his pass life."
"Basically it is real to me Tony because this was me when I was alive. Now if you tried to take it from me it would just disappear." Howard sat down on his former office chair that just materialized.
"Of course Dad, whatever you say, so it's awkward Christmas Morning chatting. Got it." Tony sat in the chair across from his father.
"Dad," Harry rolled his eyes and sat in the chair next to his dad allowing Jor to slither off his shoulders and back into the manor where it was warmer. "So Grandpa Howard how's Grandma Maria?"
"She's fine and sends her love. She would love to see you soon."
"Tell her I bring her over for New Years, we miss her too."
"Yeah I would like to see Mom again." Tony admitted warming his hands with his Hot Chocolate mug.
"I will do that. You know Harry your Dad was always sneaking into my office when he was a kid. I didn't have a lab like he does but he was always building things with my office supplies. I was even inspired by some of them. He helped my work and didn't even know it. I know I was hard on him but I wanted him to be better than I was. I still kept some of the things that he made in a box that is stored somewhere in the Malibu house."
"What? How do you know about the Malibu house? It wasn't built until 2008." Tony lookup in surprise.
"I told you, I am always watching you. I saw when Nick brought it over, when you were looking for a cure for your plutonium problem."
"God I hope you are not always watching me. Don't you have better things to do the stalk me?" Tony was horrified at the thought that his parents were watching his intimate moments with Loki. That was just so wrong in so many ways.
"As a matter of fact I do. Don't worry I leave you alone when you are alone with your spouse." Howard sputtered out. He was from a different time and these new social norms of gay marriage, was a lot to accept but he was trying for the sake of his son and grandson.
"Grandpa, dad said you left the clues to create the Stark element, how did you know he would find it?"
"Tony was a smart kid I was sure he would find it eventually. I knew he could finish what I started because his brain was ahead of it's time. I was an innovator but still my time was not catching up in time for me to see what the future could become. I tried to leave my work in a creative way that would peak you dad's interest. If I had left him all my work and told him to finish it then he would have ignored it just because I had ordered him. This way he would think maybe it was a secret worth finishing."
"I see where Dad gets is sneakiness from."
"Oh my god! I Manipulated from beyond the grave!" Tony's head just dropped as he tried to think rationally about his whole life was manipulated by his dad from birth.
"Don't be so dramatic Tony everything worked out in the end. You got a beautiful family and more friends than I ever did. I'd say that in your life you are a richer man than who I was in life."
"Yeah I guess I got you beat there. Uh, dad thanks for leaving your stuff for me it saved my life. I know I said it before but I wasn't sure if it was a dream or not I want to say it now so I'm sure I actually said it and you can't hold it over me when I die."
"Dad,"
"Tony I'm not going to hold it against you. Besides you have a very long life ahead of you, but you're welcome. This is a nice place you got here I take it that it's the magic keeping the snow out. I wonder if you can figure out a scientifically way for doing the same for non-magic people."
"Sounds like a cool project. It might be a possible project for the summer. Right now my project is getting a toad of a teacher out of my school. She is power hungry, elitist, who believes that I'm lair. Also the crazy old man in the headmaster's office is planning something. I can feel that something is going to happen soon." Harry explained drinking the last of his Hot Chocolate.
"Then you know what to do Harry, relax until it happens but be prepare and you have your Parents and your family to help if you need them."
"Thanks Grandpa, I know, I guess it's the waiting that gets to me."
"That's the Stark in you Hare-Bear all Stark men are impatient. I got it from Howard and you got it from me. So take it easy you are always prepared."
"Anthony! What am I to do with these Animals?!"
"Coming Babe!" Tony jumped up and ran into the manor.
"Looks like your Father found your Dad's Christmas presents. Harry your dad got a fluff ball that floats and a cat from Asgard that looks like a small wild cat. I've never seen animals like this before." Howard smirked taking a drink of his ghostly whiskey.
"Dad wanted Father to have company while he's gone. The Fluff is an Alfheim PuffPup they practically feed off on love and affection. Their joy makes them float and that mini Wild Cat is Kagasle. It is a quick swift and very moody cat and they are highly intelligent. So you never want to get on the bad side of a Kagasle."
"Well it looks like that Kagasle is showing them whose boss."
"Yup, she seems to be protective of the puff too."
"You better get in there and help them. My time is at an end so this is it until next time Harry." Howard gave Harry a tight hug before he fade away to the other side. Being the god of mortal souls Harry was the only being alive he could hold. Since he was a ghost he couldn't hug Tony even in dreams he would just pass through his son. So he would just have to pass a hug along through his Grandson.
"Okay Grandpa Love you, Dad does too."
"I know kid, I know." Howard whispered trying to hide the emotion in his voice. He gently let go of the boy and faded back to the afterlife.
"Harry Get over here the animals are turning us against us!"
"I'm on my way!" Harry shook his head in laughter; his family was the best medicine for stress.
XxXxXxXxXx
Regulus was seriously was wondering how in the hell he ended up hosting Christmas for the Order of the Phoenix here in his house. When the Headmaster arrived with his minions he thought it was a joke, but no this was for real. He had just returned from the train station with Draco when there was a knock on the door. Opening the door was a mistake because as soon he cracked open the door Dumbledore pushed his way in with the Weasley right behind him. Fred and George we're the only ones that looked embarrassed with being dragged to Grimmauld Place.
Dumbledore said that the Death Eaters were raising and that they attacked the home of the Weasley so they needed to start The Order once again. Since Sirius let them use his home for meetings it was only right that Regulus continue hosting the order in Sirius' honor. The man had no shame and to use his dead brother against him. He sent Draco up stairs to send his mother to her sister's place to keep her hidden not only from Death Eaters but the crazy old man as well. The current Lord Black had no doubt that Dumbledore would use her as a pawn if he got half the chance.
So for the past few days Regulus had been defending his home against Molly Weasley in her mad campaign to clean his house. He had houses elves for that but there were certain parts of the house he did not want anybody going into; Such as his brother's childhood bedroom. Sirius would probably only let Harry in there as all his stuff rightfully belonged to his godson. Molly still took offence at his home because his mother had such dark and macabre taste in decorating. She kept trying to redecorate and throw out his family heirlooms.
"Hey Professor,"
"You look lost in thought."
"I'm not a professor anymore. Fred, George, you two and Draco are the only sane voices in this house. How are you two holding up?" Reggie asked turning to the twins.
"Feeling trapped." Fred ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.
"Mum took away our phones." George was missing Daphne and hadn't texted her in days.
"Draco sent out his owl to Harry to let him know we all won't be at the manor for Christmas. Dumbledore has an Order meeting planned for tonight but I doubt your mother is going to allow you to attend."
"No worries,"
"We got an invention that will let us hear everything."
"We call them extendable Ears." The twins grinned. Over the summer they had come up with all of great products for their Joke Shop they hope to start once they graduate.
"That's great since we won't be able to use Harry's tech for this. Severus will be the last to arrive and you will be up here with Draco and your siblings. Bill has already arrived with Fleur and your Mother doesn't seem too happy with her new daughter-in-law-to-be."
"That is an understatement." Fred gave a humorless laugh.
"She flipped out shouting that her son was not going to marry a half-breed." George sighed.
"I take it Bill is ignoring her."
"They are mates; of course the elder Weasley will choose her over his mother." Draco explained as he walked up to the trio.
"Hey Mini Malfoy any word from Harry?"
"Yes, I just got a letter warning us to stay alert. He has a feeling something will happen soon. He also said he was sorry to hear that we were all trapped for the holidays and will bring our gifts to school when break is over. On another note he will be bringing his father's snake to school and leaving Shadow behind. Umbridge has got to go and that is his mission when we return."
"Is she really that bad?" Regulus asked after seeing the serious faces around him.
"She is the worst Cousin. She thinks that Lokison is lying about not being able to speak and gives him and other students detention with a blood quill."
"Yeah Professor, she believes she has more power then that headmaster and has been harassing the other teachers." Fred added.
"Also she tried to de-claw Harry's cat and ended up cutting its leg right off. She has to go for the safety of the school." George concluded.
"Why haven't you all spoken up earlier? I am sure she could have been fired sooner."
"Cousin she was sent by the School board so she has some power and she can't be fired. As my father is part of the board this is a ploy by the death eaters but I am not sure why."
"Well, I'll ask Severus after the meeting about it and see he knows why." Regulus was about to say something more but he was stopped by the sound of stomping footsteps coming up the steps.
"What are the lot of you doing standing around? Dumbledore has arrived and the meeting is about to start. You children need to go to your rooms. Separate rooms." Molly ordered glaring at Draco. Molly had thrown a fit when she saw that Draco was staying at Grimmauld Place. She and Regulus went head to head as he shout that Draco was his family and could stay with him as such, and that she had no say on who stayed in his home.
"I'll be right there Mrs. Weasley. The Boys were just heading to their rooms. Go on Lads I'll check on you later." The three boys walked off in different directions leaving Regulus and Molly alone in the hallway on the third floor.
"I want you to keep that boy away from my children."
"Draco is not his father and Fred and George are his friends."
"A Malfoy never changes; they will always be dark wizards. I refuse to let him turn my sons into dark wizards." Molly sneered and stomp off down stairs.
Regulus was beyond annoyed. That witch was getting on his last nerve. He reluctantly followed the Weasley Matriarch down the stairs but stopped at the fireplace. He was waiting for Severus because he would be the last to arrive. At the end of his term as DADA professor, Severus agreed to be friends with the possibility of more. He understood that the Potion Master was scared and wanted to make sure that they could move past their mistakes as well as a strong foundation for a relationship.
"Black move out of the way you are blocking the Floo." A voice called from the fire.
"Sorry Sev I was lost in my thoughts." Regulus took a step back and let the Older Slytherin come through the fire.
"Quit daydreaming Black, I want to get this over with I have rounds tonight. There were more students staying for the holidays then last year."
"Let me guess it's mostly Slytherins that are staying at the castle."
"Yes but not all of their motives are clear. I know a few of them want protection from their families; others are spying for their families and then there are the ones who don't show any emotion at all. So need to watch those ones more carefully." Snape rubbed his temple trying to ease his headache.
"Well how about a cup of tea after the meeting before you go back?"
"If the meeting doesn't run long then maybe I'll stay. I'll need a strong cup before I head back to deal with those teenage dunderheads." Snape agreed. Truthfully he should head back right after the meeting but a cup for tea with Black wouldn't hurt and besides they hadn't had much time together since Umbridge had been watch all of them closely, too close actually. It's gotten to the point every time he turned around she was right there.
"HELP! SOME ONE GO GET POPPY!" a shout came from the Library. The two Slytherins sprinted to the Library to find Arthur Weasley grabbing his arm in Pain.
"What Happened?" Severus was at the man's side examining he injury.
"We don't know we were about to take our seats for the meeting but suddenly Arthur yelled grabbing his arm and then he collapsed." Kingsley explained not knowing what to do. He and Tonks arrived earlier and had been waiting in the library for about twenty minutes.
"He was bitten by a snake. He needs antivenin but without the snake any other antivenin will kill him." Snape concluded.
"Get the twins tell them to go get Harry." Regulus shouted to Tonks and the Auror dashed from the room.
"No you are not dragging my children into this! What does that Potter boy have to do with my husband being bitten by a snake? Take him to St. Mungo's he can get proper treatment there." Molly protested unable to stop the pink haired woman.
"No Lokison can find the snake so I can give the proper Antivenin." Snape snapped.
"Now Molly, you must let them do their work. Arthur's life hangs in the balance and you need to stay calm for your children." Dumbledore soothed. He wanted Harry be there and the boy needed to see his destiny as a savior to their world.
"We got Harry."
"Stand back everyone." Fred and George cleared the way for Harry who was wearing a huge green snake wrapped around his shoulders and arms.
"Why is he bringing a snake?! He's going to kill my husband!"
"Mum, quiet you'll startle the snake." George warned.
"That's the Snake Potter had at school!" Ron shouted. He followed the three of them downstairs. He didn't know how Potter got in or appeared upstairs but he wasn't going to be left out.
"Hisss." Jörmungandr whipped his head towards the angry red head.
"Why is it looking at me?"
"Because you are too loud." Fred whispered.
"Jor, I need you to sniff the bite mark and find the snake. Bring them to me." Harry hissed kneeling down letting Jörmungandr slither to the floor.
"Of Course, Hatchling." Jor slithered up to Arthur and sniffed the bite wound with his tongue. Everyone watched as the snake sniffed the air and then took off like a shot. Harry watched as all the order members jumped back to avoid contact with Jörmungandr. Not a minute later the Snake God returned to Harry with baby copperhead snake in its mouth.
"Hey little one don't be scared." Harry hissed softly.
"You are a speaker?" the little snake looked to Harry in awe.
"You can release him Jor. I've got him." Jörmungandr dropped the little snake into Harry's hands.
"What kind of snake is that I haven't seen one like that before?" Regulus asked.
"It's a baby copperhead found mostly in the Australian outback." Harry said through his gloves. "He doesn't know how he got here but he's frightened and was looking for a warm place to hide. Mr. Weasley movement scared him causing him to bite. Since he is a baby he can't control his venom. We'll need to find an adult copperhead to make the cure."
"Where are we going to get a snake like that at this hour?" Molly screeched.
"The London Zoo!" Draco answered. He had been researching snakes on his phone while the others were trying to capture the snake. We can enter through the Magical entrance and cross over to the muggle side where the Reptile house is."
"Kingsley you go with Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy, while Severus prepares the antivenin potion. Regulus and Alastor help Arthur to the couch where he can rest properly." Albus calmly ordered the others and Harry watched noting how eerily calm the man was.
"We'll be as fast as we can." Kingsley nodded as Harry lifted Jörmungandr back upon his shoulders.
The head Auror guided the two boys outside and away from the house. They didn't need any witnesses for this. "Alright you can use your other magic here."
"Right, I'll take us to the Zoo." Malfoy took out his sling ring and opened the portal to the Magical side of the zoo allowing them through in seconds. "This way to the reptile house, Kingsley sir, watch for the Muggle night patrol."
"Jörmungandr find the copper head." Harry hissed to the familiar letting him loose in the zoo. He opened his Locket to communicate better away from the nosey Order.
The snake picked up the scent and was slithering away faster than the humans could run. Harry was the only one who could keep up with the God Snake. Harry opened the locks to the enclosure with ease and was greeted to the sight of all the snakes stretched up high and their heads bowed to the Jörmungandr their God.
"Oh Merlin," Draco gasped at the sight of the snakes paying respects to Harry's snake. He had never seen anything like this in his life.
"Malfoy go get a ferret from the feeding stock. This place should have an enclosure that houses the natural prey of hunter animals."
"Why do you need a ferret?" asked Kingsley as Draco ran off to get the animal.
"I need a host animal to create the antibodies for the potion." Harry was busy Milking the copperhead as he explained. "Thank you for your venom. Would you mind taking care of this little one? He was stolen from his home and needs someone to look after him."
"It will be my honor Speaker." The copperhead hissed back and welcomed the little snake into her den.
"I got the ferret." Malfoy shout out of breath from all the running around.
"Okay I got the venom." The Ravenclaw pulled out a syringe and filled it with the venom and injected it into the ferret. "Okay let's go." Harry place the ferret into his messenger bag then lifted Jörmungandr back on to his shoulders ready to portal back to Grimmauld place.
"Here we go." Malfoy opened a portal to the open street down from Grimmauld place.
"Let's hurry time is not on our side." Kingsley pushed the boys to run rushing to the manor.
As they entered the house every one was gathered around Arthur, Snape wasn't there and was either in the potion room or at Hogwarts. Harry placed Jörmungandr on dinning room table and headed to the potion room to see if Snape was there. He was in lucky and Snape was brewing the cure. Regulus was watching wanting to do something to help.
"Sir I have the Ferret." Harry signed pulling out the animal from his bag.
"Good. The potion is almost done I need the antibodies from the ferrets blood."
"How can he do that?" Regulus asked but stopped when he saw Harry comply. The boy took blood from the ferret with a syringe and into a vial. Then he took the vial and using his wand cast a spinning spell on it. They watched the vial spin super fast for about two minutes before it stopped and dropped into Harry's hand.
"It's ready." With a different syringe the Ravenclaw extracted the plasma with the Antibodies from the vial and handed to the Potion master to add to the potion.
"It will be ready in three counterclockwise stirs." Snape poured the vial into the caldron.
"Is it ready? Dad's arm is swelling badly." Fred popped his head.
"Yes! Now make way." Snape ordered as he poured a goblet full of the Antivenin potion. The Professor rushed to the living room.
"How can we trust that potion he's a death Eater!" Molly snapped.
"He's a spy you know this Molly." McGonagall snapped back.
"Sip it slowly but you must finish the entire potion." Snape held the goblet to Arthur's lips. The red-headed man slowly sipped the potion; after each sip relief showed on his face. The more Arthur drank the swelling decreased; this made Molly relax but still glared at the Slytherins.
"Thank you Severus, and thank you boys I know you had to venture to into the muggle zoo for this cure." The Weasley Patriarch smiled at Harry and Draco in gratitude.
"Yes thank you, Mr. Potter, Mr. Malfoy and you too Kingsley." Albus smiled and put his hand on Harry's shoulder. "I hope now you see that you are needed here with us. The Order is here to support you and your fight against the dark Lord."
"I told you my name is Haraldr Lokison. I also have told you that there is no war and what you are fighting is a manifestation of your own ego and fears." Harry shrugged off the head master's hand and walked over to Mr. Weasley. "I am glad you are feeling better sir, but I must return to my family."
"That is quite all right my boy and thank you again for your help." Arthur shook the Ravenclaw's hand.
"Prince Firsty we'll see you out" Fred appeared to Harry's right.
"I got your father's Snake." George appeared on the left wearing Jörmungandr around his shoulders.
"Get that thing off of you right now! That is a dangerous animal!" Molly
"Sorry Mum but I have to disagree with you. Jörmungandr is perfectly safe with anyone he trusts." George replied."
"Right so, now if you'll excuse us we'll be taking Harry home. Be back in a jiff." Fred smirked before leading Harry away upstairs followed by his twin.
"Albus aren't you going to do anything? They are being brainwashed."
"Now Molly they will bring Harry back to the side of the light. You must tell them how much they are needed in the war to come and it is their duty to show Harry the light."
"Of course you are right, but the twins are stubborn and unpredictable."
"Don't worry I am sure you will bring them to their senses you are a very strong witch and mother." Albus smiled watching how his flattery made the Matriarch blush and preen at his words.
"I don't trust that look in the headmaster's eye Severus." Regulus hissed softly
"Neither do I, Black but there is nothing we can do about it but keep vigilant. The twins will have to be warned and watched over while they are here. Molly is capable of anything." The potion master whispered as the crowd disbursed now that Arthur was alright.
The meeting was canceled for now; postponed until they could all get time off again. This left Regulus with unwanted house guests until the school resumed classes and the Weasleys returned to their home. This had to be the worst Christmas since his parents were alive. "Well Happy Bloody Christmas."
A/N: Another chapter done! The Plot bunnies are taking a break before easter. They got their baskets ready. I wanted say thank you to all of the concept Artist reaching out through the PMs wanting to draw out my work. As fun as that might be I am not looking to expand my stories that way at least not yet. I don't want to give false hope with this but I am not financially stable to give these artists what they deserve for their hard work. Please do not PM anymore about this, I feel really bad that I can not say yes or work with such talented people and have to leave you on read. Thank you all for reading my work and finding it worth bring to life. Please keep reviewing the Plot bunnies love the food.