GOTSIS Ch.12: S.H.I.E.L.D (Patreon)

6th March 2006

Harry’s home, Bleecker Street

Coulson sat on the couch, his hands clasped together while Sharon stood behind him.

“Um, don’t you want to sit, miss?” Harry asked.

“No, I am good.” The girl replied politely, the muscles in her upper arms tensing.

“Well, would you like some tea or coffee?” Harry turned to Coulson. “I swear I won’t poison it or try and kill you.”

“I am sure you won’t, Mr. Potter.” Coulson’s lips tugged upwards. “But we would like to get down to business if you allow.”

Harry nodded, smothering the urge to look out of the window toward the sanctum. “Feel free.”

“Now, first, I think introductions are in order.” Coulson smiled. “As you know, we are from the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistic Division— S.H.I.E.L.D. We are an international security organization under the World Security Council, which, in turn, is a part of the United Nations. We are a counter-terrorism and intelligence agency tasked with maintaining global security.”

Harry nodded.

He had read it when the Ancient One had asked him to read up on international organizations. S.H.I.E.L.D had been one of the most prominent organizations in the modern world, post the Second World War.

‘If he belongs to an agency, I should gain an idea of his intentions and make sure he doesn’t want to just use me.’ Harry remembered Ron’s and Hermione’s faces. The amulet on his chest warmed up and heat bled through his bones as he met Coulson’s eyes.

‘He is telling the truth.’ The light overhead flickered and the two agents quickly looked up. Harry saw Sharon’s hand go to her waist. ‘And he doesn’t harbor bad intentions against me. He is genuine. So is she, even if she is twitchy.’

The heat of the Soul Stone faded away and the flickering light above stabilized.

“I am sorry.” Harry glanced at the ceiling light. “I have to change that bulb or call someone to fix whatever the problem is.”

Coulson gave him a skeptical look. “Sure, Mr. Potter.”

“Please, continue. You said that you had… questions and a proposition for me?” Harry prompted.

“We do,” Coulson ran a hand through his receding hairline. “Do you remember the night of Christmas Eve of 2005?”

‘If they are here, they already know.’

“I do.” Harry’s eyes flicked to Sharon. “I was going home when I heard noises coming from an alley. When I investigated, I found her fighting three guys.”

Sharon shifted on her feet.

“Miss Carter was on a mission.” Coulson said. “Her cover was blown and they were chasing her in order to kill her. Firstly, S.H.I.E.L.D must thank you for saving the life of one of our agents.”

“She was doing pretty well by herself.” Harry waved him off. “But—”

“The interesting part is that she doesn’t remember seeing you that day, Mr. Potter.” Coulson cut him off. “Nor do the men who were captured.”

‘Of course they don’t.’ Harry’s gaze shifted to Sharon who met his eyes. ‘But they do know I was involved. Or they wouldn’t be here. Best to cooperate for the time being. If things go south, I can always use the Runes of Kauf-Kaul and make them forget.’

“I made sure they wouldn’t remember me, Mr. Coulson.” Harry admitted.

“So it is true.” Coulson sat straighter. “You can manipulate memories.”

Harry’s forehead creased. “In a way, yes. It isn’t exactly manipulation but it is a close enough term, I suppose.”

“How do you do it?” Coulson leaned forward.

“I’ll tell you if you tell me how you know that I was there.” Harry’s lips tugged into a smirk.

“There was a body camera on Miss Carter.” Coulson shared a glance with Sharon. “It is for the safety of all our agents during a mission.”

“Understandable.” Harry looked between them. “But this happened months ago. Why are you coming to me now?”

Coulson remained silent for a moment. “In the spirit of cooperation, I’ll answer the question with honesty. We were trying to find out more about you. We did a little digging in your past and present.”

“Oh?” Harry leaned back.

“The offer we are about to present to you, Mr. Potter, is very special.” Coulson added. “If you agree to be on board and are an Enhanced like we think you are, both of us might benefit greatly from this.”

“Enhanced?” Harry blinked.

“An individual with powers or abilities exceeding the ordinary human. An example of an enhanced would be Steve Rogers— Captain America.” Coulson supplied. “So, what are your powers, Mr. Potter? What can you do?”

Harry looked at Coulson before his gaze flicked to Sharon.

‘I have to control this conversation.’ Harry’s jaw tightened. ‘They do not know things I do. But they could prove to be very useful if Glaive’s master, Thanos, is coming.’

“How… high up are you in S.H.I.E.L.D, Mr. Coulson?” Harry leaned back.

“Why do you ask?”

“Because I want to know how far up will the information I give you go.” Harry tilted his head. “I am afraid that the wrong people could make wrong use of… my enhancements.”

“S.H.I.E.L.D is an organization that would strive to protect an asset like you, Mr. Potter.” Coulson said. “We will ensure that no harm will come to you if you take us up on our offer.”

“Mr. Coulson.” Harry closed his eyes for a moment. “I am not really worried about my… safety for the lack of a better word. If I really wanted, I could disappear from every database you have and every memory. But the information I will give you for this partnership might not work well with certain people. People like politicians and even others, perhaps.”

Coulson’s face grew serious, his smile vanishing. “What makes you think so?”

“You said that S.H.I.E.L.D is responsible for maintaining global security, am I correct?” Harry asked. 

“We are.”

“Let’s say I do something similar too, Mr. Coulson.” Harry told him “But just not in the way you do.”

“You work for a government?” Coulson frowned. “Mr. Potter, S.H.I.E.L.D has a higher jurisdiction over most agencies in the world. CIA, MI6—”

“I do not work for any government.” Harry rolled his eyes. “I protect Earth against threats greater than anything S.H.I.E.L.D faces.”

“I wouldn’t be sure about that, Mr. Potter.” Coulson’s lips curled.

“What’s the worst thing you’ve faced?” Harry snorted. “Terrorists? Serial Killers? Nuclear threats?”

“It is classified, I am afraid.” Coulson replied. “But we have faced things beyond the ordinary, I assure you. Our predecessors, the SSR, dealt with HYDRA. The world has only gotten stranger since.”

‘He knows something more but he won’t tell.’ Harry’s fingers around the armrest tightened. ‘Which means I have to go looking.’

Master Hamir’s face floated in his mind and the amulet warmed up, heat spreading through his body. Images flashed in front of Harry’s eyes like it had when he had fought Corvus Glaive.

Green reptilian faces rose, their faces turning into human faces, taking their shape and form. Another face appeared, of a young, blonde woman who shot beams of energy from her hands and a black man with a gun in his hand.

“Mr. Potter?” Coulson’s hand drifted to his hips.

“So you have met Skrulls.” Harry said and the man froze. “Probably the Kree too, during their little skirmish a decade or so ago if I have my years right.”

Sharon’s forehead creased. “What—”

“How do you know that?” Coulson’s eyes hardened and the handle of a gun glinted under his coat. “Did you read my mind?”

“No,” Harry lied. “I promise you that I cannot read minds, Mr. Coulson. I knew that a mortal agency intervened with another person during the Skrull-Kree conflict that spilled into Earth. But not whom. I took a guess.”

“And how do you even know that?” Coulson took a breath and composed himself. “This incident is level ten classified and known to people I can count on one hand.”

Sharon’s eyes widened at that titbit of information.

“Because that is what I do, Mr. Coulson.” Harry said. “I protect Earth against threats that normal people can’t. You protect the world from the threats within while I protect the world from threats not its own. Like the Skrulls and Kree but… more.”

“You were born in 1986, Mr. Potter.” Coulson said. “You would’ve been what? Six or seven years old when the Skrulls came.”

“I wasn’t there but I am aware of the incident.” Harry waved him off. “The world is a lot bigger and a lot more complex than you think you know, Mr. Coulson. I know a lot more about the workings of the universe than S.H.I.E.L.D or any agency will. I will be telling you all of it and what exactly I do for the sake of a partnership.”

“You seem keen on this idea more than I would’ve anticipated.” Coulson commented.

“It would be something that would benefit us both in the coming times.” Harry said. “We both want the same thing. To protect Earth.”

“Go on.” Coulson said.

“I am afraid I cannot tell you more unless you’re the one in charge of S.H.I.E.L.D, Mr. Coulson.” Harry said adamantly. “That’s why I asked how high up you are. I want to get to the guy at the top because the things that I know might open a can of worms if it gets out.”

Coulson closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

“Mr. Potter, I am a Level Eight agent.” Coulson said. “There are only two people above me as far as S.H.I.E.L.D is concerned.”

“Then I would like to meet these two people in person, Mr. Coulson.” Harry declared. “And get a surety that whatever I tell you won’t go to anyone else without my permission.”

“You are asking for too much.”

“I will make it worth the while, I assure you.” Harry promised.

“You haven’t even told me what your powers are.” Coulson replied. “You haven’t given me anything in exchange for my cooperation. Partnerships don’t work like that, I am afraid. The proposition is off the table now.”

Coulson stood up and buttoned his suit.

‘I can’t let him leave like that.’ Harry felt steel bands wrap around his heart. ‘I can’t let such a good opportunity slip through my fingers.’

“I can give you a glimpse.” Harry offered and Coulson stopped.

“Really?”

“Yeah. But if I do so, I want to meet the person in charge.” Harry declared. “If not, well…”

“I cannot promise that.” Coulson said. “Director Fury is a busy man.”

“Tell him to clear his schedule then.” Harry shrugged. “If you ask me, I can tell you this. Earth is evolving, Mr. Coulson. Krees and Skrulls were not even a glimpse of what is out there. In fact, we were caught in their crossfire at that time. But now? We are slowly gaining attention.”

“How do you know this?” Coulson raised his eyebrows.

“A few weeks ago, I faced off a threat.” Harry rose from the sofa. “He was looking for a very powerful object on Earth.”

“And what is this object?” Coulson kept his face blank.

“I am not sure.” Harry lied. “But I have my suspicions.”

“I will say this again. You’re not giving me a lot to work with.” Coulson kept his face emotionless. “If you want me to convince Director Fury to clear his schedule, you’ve to give me something worthwhile.”

“I just revealed my knowledge about… what was it that you said?” Harry put a finger to his lip. “A level ten classified information? That should get his attention.”

“You do not understand.” Coulson said. “You talk about big things but have nothing much to back them up. Yes, you knowing about the Skrulls and Kree might gain his attention. But it would put you on his so-called shit list just as fast.”

“Alright.” Harry sighed. “You want to know about my powers, right?”

“Yes, that would be much appreciated.” Coulson nodded. “In that way, I can at least give the director something in order to convince him to meet you.”

“Right, right.” Harry nodded. “You have been surveilling me, correct? So, you would have some idea about my powers. Take five guesses and I would reply truthfully if I can do it or not.”

“Why can’t you just tell us?” Coulson took a deep breath as if controlling an outburst.

“Because I would’ve to go a lot deeper to explain them.” Harry said. “I can do a lot of things, Mr. Coulson. A lot. But most of my… powers get way deep and complex to just summarize individually. You can ask me five things. If I can do it, I will truthfully say yes.”

“Alright.” Coulson acquiesced. “Enhanced Strength?”

“No.” Harry shook his head slowly. “I can do like fifteen pull-ups. I have seen people do more pull-ups than I can do. So, no.”

“Enhanced speed?”

Harry paused for a moment. “What do you mean by that? Like, can I run really fast?”

“Movement in general.” Coulson clarified.

“No. At least, I don’t think so.” Harry frowned.

Sharon immediately walked a step ahead and leaned toward Coulson whispering something in his ear.

“What about teleportation?” Coulson nodded at Sharon.

“Yes.” Harry nodded. “In a way.”

He moved his fingers, a portal forming behind Coulson and Sharon, who turned. A chilly breeze blew into his living room as snow-peaked caps were revealed on the other side.

“Woah,” Sharon breathed.

“Well, do you want to come?” Harry smiled, walking forward.

Coulson followed him, stepping through the portal while Sharon remained behind.

“Where are w-we?” Coulson’s teeth chattered as snow crunched beneath their boots.

“Everest.” Harry grinned. “Highest point in the world. Beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Very” Coulson looked around. “So we just appeared on the other side of the world by stepping through that?”

“That’s how teleportation works, doesn’t it?” Harry said. “Let’s go back before your friend gets shifty. Also, you might go into shock at temperatures this low.”

Coulson nodded, hurrying back into the living room and Harry walked behind him, closing the portal as he stepped through.

Agent Coulson was shivering, rubbing his arms in an attempt to stave off the cold. Harry took pity on him and taped his shoulder, applying a warming charm.

The man immediately relaxed and his teeth stopped chattering.

“You want a cup of tea, mate?” Harry grinned.

“What happened?” Sharon asked.

“Your boss got a little too cold on Mount Everest.” Harry gave her a grin. “You should’ve come. It is beautiful up there at the top of the world.”

“So, you can just go to any place you want?” Sharon frowned.

“In a way, yes.” Harry nodded. “What’s your next question? You’ve got two left.”

Coulson looked at Sharon. “Sharon, why don’t you give it a go?”

“Um…” Sharon shifted. “Telekinesis? The ability to move things with your mind without touching them.”

“In a way, I can move objects without touching them.” Harry frowned. “So, yes.”

Sharon immediately looked at Coulson who gave her a smile. “Go on, Agent Thirteen.”

“Then, what about, um… levitation?” Sharon asked. “Can you fly?”

“Fly by myself?” Harry frowned. “No, I cannot fly yet unfortunately. I am looking into it though.”

“So you’re researching your own powers?” Sharon prodded.

“Not exactly but you might say that.” Harry replied. “It would be a lot easier to explain if I go into the basics, honestly. But I want to do so with Director Fury and have his word that whatever I say will not be told to anyone else without my permission. And, I can assure that what I have to say will be worth it.”

“I am certain we can work something out then, Mr. Potter.” Coulson extended his hand.

“Then I will see you this Friday.” Harry shook the man’s hand. “You can get the location of your choosing and text me the time. I’ll be there and I hope so will Director Fury.”

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7th March 2006

Kamar Taj, Kathmandu

The sun rose above the hills in the distance in a blaze of orange and pink. Birds chirped and a cool breeze rustled through the courtyard of Kamar Taj.

Disciples stood in neat lines, forming energy constructs as two senior apprentices walked between them, instructing them. Harry walked from the side, waving at Kaecilius on the way.

Seeing him, Kaecilius said something to a nearby disciple before making his way to him.

“Harry,” He smiled. “Meeting the Ancient One again?”

“Yes,” Harry said. “How’s teaching?”

“It is interesting.” He looked at the disciples. “Would’ve never believed I was at their place once.”

“Most never make it past this stage,” Harry watched the disciples form an energy shield in front of them.

Golden sparks fluttered to the ground around the courtyard as they manipulated the energy to increase the size of their construct.

“So, I wanted to ask how you were holding up?” Kaecillius asked. “It is tough to see someone die. Especially someone you know well.”

Kaecillius looked away briefly, a pained grimace flashing on his face.

“It is not the first time I’ve seen someone fall in battle.” Harry patted his shoulder. “It is never easier though, I suppose.”

“It is painful.” Kaecillius nodded.

“Now, I need to meet the Ancient One.” Harry said. “Something has come up and I need her guidance.”

“Of course.” Kaecilius said. “She’s in the inner sanctum.”

“Enjoy teaching. I will get going” Harry said and climbed the stairs two at a time.

The doors of the room were open and the Ancient One sat in the center of the room, pouring over a book. A broom, one Harry had enchanted, quietly swept by itself in a corner, cleaning the sanctum by itself.

The Ancient One looked up, a smile blooming on her face. “Mr. Potter. Good Morning.”

“Good morning.” Harry greeted. “I suppose you already know why I am here.”

“Did the meeting come to pass, then?” She tilted her head.

“It did.” Harry nodded. “An agent from S.H.I.E.L.D approached me today morning— yesterday night for you. His name was Phil Coulson and he was with the girl, well, the agent I had saved last year.”

“The one you told me about, I am aware.” She nodded. “What were your impressions about Mr. Coulson?”

“He’s a good guy. Well-intentioned, really.” Harry said. “At least that’s what the Soul Stone got me.”

“You’re quickly grasping the powers of the stone.” She smiled. “Very good.”

“Yeah. I can even read minds now… somehow.” Harry informed. “And by that I mean I can look for a specific thing instead of their whole life. Like… Legilimency.”

Snape’s sneering form rose in his mind but Harry banished the thought.

“The powers of telepathy use the Astral plane as a bridge in order to connect two minds.” The Ancient One walked around the room, her hands behind her back. “Along with your magic perhaps, it allows you to glimpse into the minds of others at will.”

“I am not sure if I want to have this power.” Harry muttered. “I didn’t realize what I had done until much later. I was more focused on keeping control of the conversation than anything else.”

“That is understandable.” The Ancient One said. “Sometimes, we just have greater concerns like you did. I suppose you didn’t give away much about us, did you?”

“Just enough to warrant a meeting with the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D, I suppose.” Harry sighed. “I was going to give away even less but he kinda forced my hand to reveal a few more details.”

“They are trained agents, Mr. Potter.” She smiled. “I think they’d know how to negotiate a deal. I am sure you did well.”

“But I have to give it away when I meet the director on Friday.” Harry sighed. “That’s why I came to you. What should I tell them?”

“That depends,” She shrugged. “All I can say is that the top order of S.H.I.E.L.D are well-intentioned people just like Mr. Coulson. Yes, they’re still spies and not as clean as one did like. They make tough calls almost every other day.”

“So you’re saying that I can trust them?”

“Can you trust S.H.I.E.L.D as an organization? Perhaps.” The Ancient One turned around. “The director and his handpicked agents? Without doubt. I have monitored S.H.I.E.L.D closely in the past couple of years especially since it became clear that our paths were going to cross.”

“So since I came here.” Harry gave her a slight frown.

“You changed every single possibility I had seen, Mr. Potter. And made some futures more obscure than ever.” The Ancient One turned to him. “I even saw a few absolute points in time disappear and turn into possibilities. Something that has never happened before.”

“What are you saying?”

“That sometimes, things are going to be new to even me.” She said. “The only weakness of the Time Stone is that it cannot discern futures involving other Infinity Stones properly, Mr. Potter. I can see challenges are coming but I cannot see what they are. At times, either I cannot see the outcomes of events or I see the outcomes but not what resulted in them.”

“So, I am on my own?” Harry’s face tightened.

“No.” She shook her head. “I am saying that you cannot have unwavering faith in what I say just because you think I would’ve foreseen it. At times, you rely on my ability to see through time more than you should. I know, it can be assuring but it can be equally misleading.”

“That’s not what—”

“Didn’t you come here today thinking I had already foreseen you coming to me and asking for advice?” She raised an eyebrow. “Mr. Potter. I’ve trusted you with information more than any other master of the mystic arts that have passed through these halls. Only three people other than us know what the Eye of Agamotto truly contains.”

“The sanctum masters?” Harry guessed.

“Yes.” She gave him a nod. “But what I am trying to say is that you cannot rely on the future. I will help you as much as I can. It is my duty to do so as a teacher and as the Sorcerer Supreme. But the things I advise you might not be absolute.”

“Well, I’ll take it.” Harry shrugged. “So, what should I reveal and what should I not?”

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10th March 2006

S.H.I.E.L.D Safe House, Manhattan

The faint yellow sun shone overhead, its light glinting down on the towers of steel and glass that rose all around. The thrum of the city echoed through the compound as a man stood, watching the hand on his wristwatch tick forward.

“You know?” Phil Coulson jumped as Harry’s voice rang through the compound. “When I said I’ll be there, I didn’t expect you to come all the way to Manhattan for me.”

“Mr. Potter.” Coulson straightened. “We thought it would be better to hold this meeting here, given your… conditions.”

“So, who all are here?” Harry turned toward the house. “Your director, you, and who’s the third person in there?”

“How do you know that there is a third person?” Coulson walked toward the house with Harry.

“I have my ways.” Harry eyed the camera on the door. “Do we knock?”

“No,” Coulson swiped a card in the slot next to the door, and the words ACCESS GRANTED flashed on a green screen as the door clicked open. “After you, Mr. Potter.”

Harry pushed the door open and walked into the living room. The inside was already lit and well-furnished.

A man wearing an eyepatch sat on the couch, glaring at Harry with his single eye.

‘Fury Nicholas, son of Joseph.’ A whisper rose in his ears before his eyes turned to the woman who stood up. ‘Hill Maria, daughter of Elizabeth.’

“Mr. Potter.” Maria Hill stood from the couch. “I am Commander Hill of S.H.I.E.L.D. And this is—”

“Nicholas Fury,” The man in the eye patch said. “Director of S.H.I.E.L.D”

“Both of my seniors.” Coulson said. “Just as you requested.”

“So you three are the top order of S.H.I.E.L.D?” Harry looked at them.

“Before you get any ideas—” Fury removed a device from his waist and placed it on the table.

A digital timer ran on a small screen, showing it had just over three minutes left.

“Is that a bomb?” Harry raised an eyebrow.

“No.” Fury pressed a small button on top of the device and the numbers changed to show fifteen minutes. “If I don’t press this every fifteen minutes with my own finger, an email will go to every S.H.I.E.L.D officer and every agency in the world containing your details and a signed statement that you either have us or have killed us.”

“I plan to do no such thing.” Harry rolled his eyes. “But don’t forget to keep pressing that button.”

“Don’t worry. It beeps when one minute is left. If I am alive and unharmed, I will press it.” Fury smirked. “And only we three together know how to stop this timer. So, tick-tock, motherfucker.”

“Mr. Fury, I do not think you understand how I work.” Harry’s voice turned sharp like the Daggers of Daveroth in his pocket. “I do not have any quarrel with you or your agency. But I am hoping for a partnership.”

“You do realize we are the world’s foremost and biggest security agency?” Hill asked. “And you’re but one person.”

Amusement bled onto Harry’s face.

“I assure you that you won’t be thinking that in a few minutes.” Harry’s lips tugged upward. “And it is not a threat. The things I can tell you will change your view on how the world works.”

“That we will be the judge of.” Fury peered at him with his single eye before pressing the button on the device, resetting the timer.

“First, I want your word that there is no one else listening to us.” Harry said. “Or that this conversation wouldn’t go out of this room without my express permission.”

“You have my word as the director of S.H.I.E.L.D.” Fury said.

Heat welled up in Harry’s bones, the amulet under his shirt turning hot against his skin.

‘He’s telling the truth.’ Harry nodded at Fury. ‘At least, he won’t tell on me unless he deems me a threat.’

“Then we can begin.” Harry sat down on the armchair opposite to Fury. “How’re we doing this?”

“We ask, you answer our questions.” Fury said. “Truthfully.”

“How about you ask one, I ask one and we both answer each other truthfully?” Harry offered.

“I am sorry but a lot of information is classified.” Maria Hill said. “We cannot just go about telling it to anyone.”

“If one of us can’t answer the question due to some reason, the question will be changed.” Harry bargained. “How does that sound, Miss Hill?”

“Good except we ask two, you ask one.” Fury said. “You’re the one who insisted on this meeting. And we took half a day off for you. So, this better be worth it.”

‘That’s almost kind of him.’ Harry leaned back on his chair, his fingers tapping on the armrest. ‘If they took a day off and are still working, I should consider their request. Not that I have a lot of questions to ask anyway.’

“Alright. You ask me two questions, I ask you one.” Harry acquiesced.

“Excellent.” Fury said. “Now, are you from Earth?”

Harry blinked. “Yes. I am from Earth. I was born in Britain, mate.”

“And what about your ancestors? Parents, grandparents…”

“As far as I know, several generations of my family were born and raised in Britain.” Harry frowned. “I am a hundred percent human, as far as I know, Mr. Fury.”

“Okay.” Fury leaned forward. “Your turn, I suppose.”

“What is the extent of your powers?” Harry asked. “As in, what is the craziest thing S.H.I.E.L.D can do?”

“That is an exceedingly vague question.” Maria Hill frowned.

Harry kept his gaze on Fury who glared right back.

“I can nuke your ass if I want to.” Fury clasped his hands in front of him, ignoring his second in command. “Or make you an international criminal with a single email. Now, what about your powers?”

“My powers?” Harry smiled. “I do magic, Mr. Fury.”

The man gave him a glare. “You think this is funny?”

“No. I am absolutely serious.” Harry said. “I can do magic. Sorcery. Whatever you want to call it. And, I will clarify this for you— By magic, I do not mean the tricks you see in magic shows. Real, authentic magic.”

“Magic is a science we just cannot understand yet.” Hill scoffed.

“No. Magic is a field of study in itself.” Harry said. “You don’t just say words and stuff happens. There is a procedure. There is studying and theory. There are even books.”

“Books on magic?” Coulson asked.

“Yes.” Harry nodded. “Alright. Let’s forget these questions for a moment. In the spirit of cooperation, I’ll explain to you what I truly do.”

Fury gave him a nod and so did hill.

“Alright. So, I am a sorcerer. You may also call me a wizard.” Harry took a deep breath, gathering energy in his hands, and drew a line of sparking golden energy in the air. “I manipulate forces of the universe and shape them to cast spells, conjure shields— to do magic.”

The three agents looked at the spell in wonder as sparks fluttered from it around the room, a breeze ruffling Maria’s hair. Harry dropped the spell sparks falling harmlessly to the ground.

“Now—”

“Wait, that’s it?” Hill interrupted. “A few lines and sparks and a little wind?”

“What do you want me to do, Miss Hill?” Harry raised his eyebrows.

“You took Coulson to Everest.” She spared a glance at Coulson. “At least, show us something worth our while.”

“Well,” Harry drawled. “As you wish.”

Harry flicked his fingers and there was a pop as the woman vanished and a black bunny appeared in her place. Fury and Coulson shot to their feet, their hands going to the guns strapped to their belts.

“Is that… Hill?” Coulson frowned as the bunny frantically moved around the couch.

“Did you just turn Hill into a cute cuddly rabbit?” Fury turned to him. “Change her back.”

“She was the one who asked for it,” Harry shrugged. “Stay still, Miss Hill.”

The bunny glared at him a moment before it began to expand, turning back into the woman who fell to the floor with a crash.

She immediately looked at herself, checking her arms and legs to see if she was totally human.

“Tada!” Harry grinned at them. “Magic!”

“Hill, are you okay?” Coulson helped her up.

“My limbs ache but yeah.” She blinked. “That was surreal.”

“You said there are books where you learn this.” Fury sat back on the couch, drawing Harry’s attention. “Does that mean there are others who can do what you do?”

“There are.” Harry admitted. “I was coming to that part. We call ourselves sorcerers. We are an organization and have existed for several centuries and have been protecting Earth.”

“Centuries?” Fury scowled. “You’re telling me that there's been an organization protecting Earth since before any agency was made and we don’t even know about it?”

“Honestly? We have existed since times of what many would call mythology.” Harry shrugged. “Believe it or not, Merlin was one of us.”

“King Arthur’s Merlin?” Coulson blinked. “Excalibur and everything?”

“Yes.” Harry nodded. “The sword was what we sorcerers call a relic. An object imbued with powers the human body cannot store or conduct.”

“Legends and shit aside, what is it that you exactly do?” Fury cut in. “You told Coulson that you protect Earth from dangers but not like SHIELD does. And you said knowing about Kree and skrulls was your business.”

“We Sorcerers protect Earth from mystical dangers.” Harry replied. “Dangers that you cannot just shoot with a gun, or at times, even see.”

“And where do these dangers come from?” Coulson asked. “Other planets?”

“Other dimensions.” Harry corrected. “The other planets, as you call it… the ones you can see with a telescope are all part of what we call the Physical Plane. But the Universe is way more than that. It is a culmination of multiple dimensions that wrap around the physical plane to form what we know as reality.”

“What do you mean by other dimensions?” Hill frowned. “And why can’t we see them?”

“Think of the earth as a… burger.” Harry repeated the analogy he had seen Daniel give. “The patty is the physical plane. Right here, where we all exist. Modern science deals with only the physical plane. We sorcerers, handle the—”

A sharp beep rang through the room. Fury plucked the device up from his belt and pressed the button on it.

“—rest.” Harry finished. “There are several dimensions that wrap around the patty so to speak. The vegetables, the cheese… the sauces. Together, they form the whole burger or as we call it, reality.”

“What other dimensions exist?” Fury pinched his eyes.

“There’s the astral plane, the mirror dimension, the dark dimension, the nine realms… so many.” Harry said. “Each dimension comes with its benefits and dangers… except the mirror dimension. It is the good one which was created by us Sorcerers.”

“And what do you do with it?” Fury asked.

“The Mirror Dimension is ever-present but undetected. It is a mirror of the real world but the real world isn't affected by what happens there.” Harry said. “We use the Mirror Dimension to train, surveil, and many times, to contain threats. That’s how most threats we fight don’t spill upon the physical world.”

“That’s… interesting.” Fury said. “So, you’re the head of these Sorcerers?”

“No. I am much more like Coulson.” Harry said. “We have a hierarchy too like S.H.I.E.L.D and our own set of laws. And, before you get ideas, the only sorcerer you will have access to, is me.”

Fury leaned back. “What if there is a threat?”

“Mr. Fury, for us there’s always a threat.” Harry rolled his eyes. “We do not interfere with human affairs unless absolutely necessary. That is why Sorcerers played no role in any of the wars that were fought. We are not the ones you call when a war threatens America. We are the ones whom you call if there is an alien attack.”

“Speaking of Alien attacks, where were you twelve years ago?” Fury asked. “I saw no sorcerers when Earth was almost destroyed by the Kree.”

“Mr. Fury,” Harry gave him a humorous look. “Those Kree missiles wouldn’t have touched the surface. We would’ve just opened a portal sending them back to the ship. We didn’t bother because the girl you had with you destroyed all the missiles.”

“Carol Danvers.” Fury’s fingers around the armrest tightened. “So you know about her too.”

“Not… exactly. I know she exists and the fact that she has some astounding powers.” Harry said. “Why don’t you tell me about her now?”

Fury shared a look with Coulson who nodded.

“Well,” Fury sighed. “Carol Danvers was a pilot in the US Air Force. She was a great flier and was chosen for a project called Project PEGASUS. It was a joint project between the US Air Force, S.H.I.E.L.D, and NASA at that time.”

“To do what?” Harry asked.

“One of its objectives was to help humans travel through space amongst other things. The rest is classified.” Fury said. “Even Hill and Coulson don’t know these details.”

Harry’s jaw twitched. “Alright… so, what happened?”

“There was a mishap. The project Danvers was working on was a light-speed engine… something which the project leader, Wendy Lawson, a Kree in disguise, was developing to help the Skrulls.”

Harry blinked. “To… help the Skrulls?”

“They were apparently the good guys and just looking for a new home.” Fury shrugged. “Anyhow, during the test flight, the Kree attacked the plane… which was powered by the engine. At the end, Miss Danvers decided to destroy the engine and in the blast, she absorbed its power. Then a lot of shit happened when the Kree took her, put their blood in her and wiped her memories.”

“Right” Harry frowned. “Something is not adding up here. How did she get the powers by destroying an engine made by humans?”

“Honestly? We don’t know ourselves.” Fury said.

‘He’s lying.’ Heat ran down his arms. ‘He knows but he won’t tell me.’

“What were her powers?” Harry asked.

“But she can shoot beams of power from her hand and fly and do a bunch of different things.” Fury said. “Enhanced strength, invincibility probably… I am not sure myself. But I know she took down a whole lot of Kree by herself.”

Harry hummed.

“Has S.H.I.E.L.D had any other alien contact before?” Harry asked. “Except for the Kree and Skrull.”

“Flerken.” Fury’s lone eye twitched as he said the name.

“Oh, dear.” Harry winced. “Those creatures are dangerous. Very intelligent and loyal. But very dangerous.”

Coulson cracked an amused smile and Fury glowered at him. “Not. A. Word. Coulson.”

“I will take it to my grave, sir.” Coulson nodded.

“Well,” Harry’s eyes flicked between them. “I have more questions. What was your proposition for me? We never got around it.”

“Right. The proposition.” Fury picked up a pillow from the couch and picked the file hiding underneath. “This is our proposition to you.”

Harry picked the white file up. “The Avengers Initiative?”

“There was an idea.” Fury rose to his feet. “To bring together a group of remarkable people. To see if they could become something more. See if they could work together when we needed them to, to fight the battles that we never could.”

“A team of heroes?” Harry raised an eyebrow.

“Call me old fashioned.” The man smiled. “But we have no idea what other intergalactic threats are out there. You might have a better idea than I do but even you don’t know what’s coming.”

“Who’s in it?” Harry flipped open the file. “Me, Danvers… and?”

“For now? Only you.” Fury said. “Carol Danvers is on the other side of the universe fighting threats and saving people. But I can reach her if needed.”

“So it is only me on this team of yours?”

“It is a start.” Fury said. “A first step of a bigger journey. Of course, if any of your sorcerers wish to join—”

“No.” Harry cut Fury off. “The Sorcerer Supreme was very specific in her instructions stating that the other Sorcerers except me will not be stepping into the affairs of S.H.I.E.L.D unless it is a matter of existence. A lot is coming, Mr. Fury.” Harry’s face twisted into a grimace. “The threats we Sorcerers face have slowly been increasing through the past decade and they are only going to increase further.”

“What makes you say that?” Hill shared a concerned look with Fury. “You told Coulson the same thing.”

“So to speak, Earth is maturing, Miss Hill. It is already a nexus for multiple planes. And through circumstances, Earth has things that others might want.”

“Others?” Hill asked.

“Intergalactic threats,” Harry said. “It is one of the reasons I was given a go-ahead for this partnership when I requested it. The Sorcerer Supreme— our Director in a way, has allowed me to be a liaison between S.H.I.E.L.D and the Sorcerers. But only I will be in this. We have our own enemies and our own threats to fight.”

Fury leaned back in his chair, running a hand over his bald head.

“Understandable.” Fury said after a few moments. “I dealt with a single threat and I was out of my depth there. You deal with these things way more often. But now the question is, what can you do for us?”

“What am I getting?” Harry countered.

“Pay. Access to our safe houses if needed. Security detail if necessary. Permission to travel overseas.” Fury listed off. “And a lot of other benefits. I am even open to working with the sorcerers if needed.”

“I like the sound of that, I suppose.” Harry hummed.

“You won’t get any and every thing you ask for.” Hill glared at Fury. “The request has to be reasonable.”

“What if I tell you to clear an area of civilians?” Harry asked. “Or say do something more drastic like fire a missile somewhere on a target you cannot see. Will you do it?”

“As Hill said, if it is reasonable and doesn’t cause harm to civilians, I will, without doubt.” Fury said. “The missile thing is honestly circumstantial at best. But if you tell me there is an intergalactic threat somewhere, I will have the fucking city cleared in hours and have the military standing there.”

“I suppose I can work with that.” Harry nodded.

“And what about you?” Fury asked, looking him right in the eyes.

“If you want to heal anyone… and by which, I mean something serious, I will do it.” Harry said. “I won’t say no to saving a life. But I will not fight for you unless it is a threat from outside. Also, I have a lot of knowledge of anything that’s mystical or magical. So, if you encounter something like that, call me.”

“Wait, you can heal anything by magic?” Fury raised an eyebrow.

“Almost anything.” Harry said. “That eye of yours. Are you blind from birth?”

Coulson let out a snort which he disguised poorly as a cough. Fury glowered at the man.

“I lost it in an… incident. I cannot see properly through it.” Fury said.

“Well then,” Harry stepped forward.

Closing his eyes, he remembered Hedwig. The amulet warmed up and heat raced through his bones.

“Remove the eyepatch.” Harry raised his hand.

Fury’s eye was white, with cracks visible on the cornea. The light of Harry’s glowing hand shone in eye and the cracks disappeared, the eye turning the same shade of black as the other eye.

Fury blinked and Harry retracted his hand. “You’re welcome.”

“You… healed it.” Fury looked around. “Just like that.”

“I will not say no to saving someone’s life or healing someone.” Harry repeated. “But don’t call me every single time unless the person is dying. And I cannot revive the dead, remember that.”

“Understandable,” Fury held out his hand. “You will be a consultant for S.H.I.E.L.D officially. You can contact Agent Coulson or Agent Hill or directly me if there is a threat.”

“You can do the same if the threat is not of Earth.” Harry shook his hand. “But no troubling me or going after the Sorcerers. Anything you have, you call me. I need your word.”

“You have it.” Fury said. “Welcome aboard, Mr. Potter.”

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AND… DONE! Hope you all liked the chapter!

So, yes… I hope I did the negotiation well. Harry gave a few things but it was his plan to do so.  I tried to have the balance as much as I could with Harry controlling the whole narrative. He didn’t say anything very important, just giving a basic introduction to Sorcerers and magic… which was necessary.

Harry won’t be an agent but a consultant for SHIELD. I will work the Harry-SHIELD relations a little in the coming chapters and I plan to bring in a little from the Agents of SHIELD series before moving onto the events of core marvel (Iron Man and ahead).

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. (And yes, Harry would read the file before signing, I just didn’t show it because I didn’t want to bore with contract language and stuff.)

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A huge thanks to Mughil, Anax and Nanu for betaing this chapter.

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Stay Happy! Stay Safe! Keep Smiling! Keep Reading!

HPfanfictioner66