Dear readers,

As you might have noticed, it has been embarrassingly long since I've published anything concerning the Harry Potter xo Avengers universe. My first reason is the lack of time and opportunity (life has been a b*tch lately and I have a bit more to worry about than focus on writing stories; though I probably shouldn't have started all four at once). The second reason is much simpler; I completely lack motivation to keep on going with the Marvel-verse. The last movies, while pretty awesome, completely drained any interest I had in that universe (fine, I admit the Clint/Laura pairing completely butchered it with time).

Maybe I'll pick up where I left someday but it won't be until a really long time, and I am the first to be frustrated at an unfinished fic. The trouble is, I have the plot, I just don't have the words to put it down.

As a compromise, I figured might as well post a draft of what I had intended to write. If anyone is interested by continuing what I've started, feel free to PM me to let me know.

Many thanks and apologies to those who have favorite, reviewed and followed this story up till now; I'm sorry I couldn't go till the end.

Special thanks to Blue for her beta-proof work at light speed.

The Widow and the Wizard –end summary

Silent regrouping after Harry falls from the sky. Natasha and Clint are planning revenge while Fury is 'encouraging' Steve and Stark. Deborah is put on house arrest until she is deemed 'clean', Annam's life hangs on a thread.

Steve stared at the large table in the conference room. He was seated on the edge, Stark placed nearby, and Thor standing in the back, eyes down. Fury walked around the table, heavy steps echoing in the quietness.

"He was fifteen," the Director started, tone weighing. Steve could feel the hint of reproach. "He wasn't even supposed to be on board."

"Why was he there then?" Stark demanded petulantly, but under his apparent childishness, Steve could hear the hurt and defensiveness. The soldier had lost many good men in the war and he barely knew the teenager, but the loss resounded sharper than he'd ever imagine. He hadn't expected him to be so young to begin with.

"Agent Barton and he are –were –family," and Steve couldn't help but flinch at the correction of the past tense. He would bet it was intentional, like a commander's speech, but still felt the reprimand through him. "He wanted to join the effort to find him."

"Didn't Romanoff bring him in?"

"Romanoff was his mentor, Barton his friend. The boy had a traumatic past and made his family amongst us, for better and for worse." He paused and sighed. "I guess we reached worse."

Stark storms off and has a revelation on Loki's intentions. Steve regroups Natasha and Clint for the trip. Battle of New York. When Loki is stuck in the tower, Natasha and Clint try to kill him but are held back by Steve (let justice do its work/Justice has no word for a mother's grief, Natasha replies and impales Loki's hand in retribution, but spares his life). The two assassins are led away and back to their quarters to grieve in peace. The rest of the Avengers gather for shawarma but it's not a cheerful atmosphere. Steve proposes a toast in Harry's memory, to which they all contribute.

MID Headquarters

Natasha confronts Klaus, who is devastated by the news of Harry's death. The scepter is stolen a few moments later without anyone noticing.

Gale receives a letter from an old friend asking for help. He speaks to Annam (who is recovering but forced to retire) and tells her about a deep undercover job that requires a very capable agent who will be able to endure half a year in a magical school as a student. His contact tells him a Dark Lord is on the rise and their objective (capturing Hogwarts to make it their base) is about to succeed because the Headmaster won't intervene and there is so much his contact can do). Annam grins and points out him he has the perfect agent.

London

Aurors HQ receive a warning about wizard disturbance amongst muggles. Amelia Bones is on the lead.

A young man wearing a red hoddie was running away from the commotion. The chap broke into the alley ahead of him and vanished among the crowd of muggles.

"Andershot, cut his way and stun him."

They corner him in an abandoned alley.

"Don't shoot!" the man –or given his voice, teenager -shouted, raising his hands. "I'm unharmed!"

"Put down your wand!" Bones ordered firmly, pointing her own on him. The young man looked strangely familiar, with those big green eyes, messy black hair and glasses. Instead of complying, he retorted incredulously:

"My what?"

"Your wand, lad." Andershot repeated.

"My wa- I don't have a wand." The young man looked confused. "You mean a wand as in a wizard's wand? You're wizards?"

Bones was puzzled; he looked truly perplexed about the whole wand thing and yet there was no mistake; he was the one who had made the fireworks start and nearly hurt muggles nearby. Still, an odd expression crossed his face.

"I thought...someone told me I was a wizard," he went on, his posture still wary but more relaxed. "I thought I could control my powers but they've been unstable lately. I've been trying to find another one like me for weeks! Thank God you've came."

The shift in his stance was indubitable; his body language and intonation screamed relief. Bones and the other Aurors exchanged quick glances. The witch wondered how he could be happy to be cornered by wizards who were there to arrest him.

"What's your name?"

"Harry Potter, ma'am."

When the other aurors gasped in shock, Bones knew she was in for a very, very long night.

The news spread across the British magical community like wildfire. Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, was back. After years of being lost, their hero had been found. Celebration shook England for days before the next news came out: as a child, Harry Potter had suffered abuse from his muggle uncle, and had eventually run away. Alone, he had survived for years relying on himself and fearing magic when he started displaying the signs. The woman who had taken him in had used him and his powers to protect herself until he had decided to leave in turn. The burst of magic had been accidental and harmed no-one, but he would still be transferred to Hogwarts to be taught how to properly use his magic. Since he was too old to go through the usual selection with the Sorting Hat, it was decided he would be put with the Gryffindors, his parents' house.

Dumbledore reflects on his decision to place deliberately Harry with Gryffindor. He hopes he will create enough ties with his classmates to feel the need to protect them. Harry survived the fall from the Helicarrier (no telling how yet) and was sent undercover to take his time to recover slowly. Harry's first days at school are uneventful. He mostly adapts to his new environment and focuses on making friends in all houses. He can't get close to Hermione who reminds him of his first accidental kill (she and Drakov's daughter have the same face) so he avoids her. When Snape starts persecuting him, he decides to show his hand.

Harry waited until the room was deserted to approach Snape's desk. The potion master was still working on something, skillfully ignoring him.

"Excuse me sir," he blurted straight ahead. "Did you have a problem with my father?"

Snape raised a severe eyebrow and his reply was dryer than ice.

"What do you think you are trying to accomplish here?" he asked, scowling. That look might have worked on meek teenagers, but Harry had killed more terrifying people.

"You have a reputation among the students." He replied. "But you clearly hate me more. Now, you don't share everyone's enthusiasm about the 'Boy-Who-Lived', and since I haven't come across you yet aside from today, I doubt I have offended you in person. You also look like you would have been about my parents' age, and since everyone here says I am his spitting portrait, I can only assume you have –sorry, had –a grudge against my father. Am I wrong?"

"You are lucky you are only temporarily affected to your House," Snape growled. "Or you would have already lost ten points."

Harry barely blinked. Instead, an amused smile grew over his lips.

"Sorry to disappoint," he said, a dangerous glint in his eye. "But I won't let anyone, least of all a teacher who thinks I'm the perfect replica of a man I've never met, make my life hell." He took a step closer. "They say I've got a mean bite. Leave me alone, and I won't bother you either." He slammed something on the professor's desk and stepped back. "And trust me, I have the means to make your life hell."

The student turned around and walked out of the classroom. Snape glared at his retreating form before glancing at whatever Harry had left him. His face paled drastically.

"It can't be," he muttered, fingers reaching for a delicate ornament he had seen barely two weeks ago: an ornamental pin, in the shape of an eagle spreading its wings. SHIELD's insignia. Was Harry Potter of all people the wizard Gale had sent him to help him hunt Voldemort's supporters? He leaned back in his chair and took his face in his hands.

"I'm sorry Lily," he whispered to himself. "That's not what I wanted."

Time passes. Harry uses his skills to gather information from students and draws a list of suspects. Malfoy acts oddly (from Harry's own observations and comments from his Slytherin acquaintances).

Harry waited until Draco was alone to make his move. The Marauder's Map showed the blonde running through the orridors alone, so he jumped on the opportunity.

It wasn't hard to sneak upon the Slytherin. For all his cautions and glances over his shoulder, Malfoy wasn't cut to be a spy and left plenty of holes for him to fill, especially for someone who lived out of spying. A dark angle was perfect for ambush.

He waited until the blond appeared in his sight and appeared in front of him suddenly. Malfoy was so nervous he nearly jumped out of his skin.

"Merlin, Potter, what in Slytherin's name are you doing here?"

Harry raised an eyebrow and kept his face unreadable.

"What are you scheming, Malfoy? Walking around alone without your gorillas?"

A flash of fear ran through his eyes before he covered up with a fake bravado.

"And so what do you think you'll do? You think you can intimidate me?"

Harry laughed heartily. Malfoy glared at him and tried to force his way out. But as he passed by, Harry caught his collar and forced him backwards. The blonde hit back against the wall and Harry's forearm pressed against his trachea. The two faces were inches apart, emerald eyes plunging into grey ones. This time, Draco didn't bother hiding his fear. His face paled and his eyes widened in terror.

"Wh-what do you want!"

A low growl erupted from Harry's throat.

"You've been hiding something." He hissed, narrowing his eyes. "Your sneaking in and out hasn't been unnoticed. Who are you trying to infiltrate inside the castle? Death Eaters?" He pressed harder against his throat. "Are you trying to turn over Hogwarts to Voldemort's followers?"

"No!" Draco protested, but panic settled in his eyes. "No! What are you, crazy?"

"When are you planning to let them in?" he went on. "How? A secret passage? Another exit? Someplace the headmaster knows about?"

"No- no I-"

"Are you a Death Eater yet?" he pressed on, and smirked when Draco winced. "Oh I bet you regret joining that murderer's ranks. Is he scary? I heard he desperately needs to possess a body to survive…"

"No I'm not!" the blond yelped and tried to push him away. But Harry had a good grip on him and kept grinning like a maniac.

"I'm watching you, Malfoy. And when you decide to open the doors to them, I'll be there, and I'll be waiting."

"He will crush you," Draco spitted, halfway angrily, halfway hysterical. "When he comes, he will tear you into pieces, and we'll see who'll be the most terrified."

Harry laughed again.

"Oh, I'd love to see him try." And then went on a more solemn tone; "By the way, Draco, I don't have to try to intimidate you;" an evil grin later: "You are already scared of me."

He released the blonde suddenly and took a step back. Malfoy wasn't quite steady on his feet yet, but he didn't waste time darting along the corridor back to the dungeons. Harry followed him until he was out of sight and returned to the common room, knowing the message had come across.

His Gryffindors housemates don't understand why he wants to befriend everyone, including Slytherin. Ron Weasley corners him in the common room for clarification.

"I think you're misunderstanding something, Harry." Ron added, taking a step closer. "You're part of a House now, we're family. If something's bothering you, you can talk to us."

Harry raised an impassive eyebrow at the redhead.

"Why would I want to confide to complete strangers?"

"You don't think us trustworthy?"

"I don't know. You haven't given me a reason to trust you so far, have you?"

Ron seemed a little put off. Harry narrowed his eyes.

"I grew up in a world where you gotta earn what you want. Just because I changed universe doesn't mean I'm going to change my behavior. I'm not challenging you for the leadership of Gryffindor house. I got better things to do than impose my rules upon students who don't know better."

Harry suspects Ron is upset that students don't look up to him and Neville anymore. He and Ron's followers have a heated argument about Hogwarts principles. Harry is then shunned by half his house for considering that not all Slytherins are bad. He senses something is about to happen but is annoyed he doesn't know what. Snape has not much more to tell him (he is 'nicer' to him in class, but barely).

He did not expect that his answers would come from Malfoy of all people. And yet, the blonde Slytherin came to find him one evening in the library.

"What do you want?"

Malfoy shifted on his feet uncomfortably.

"Are you really Harry Potter?" he asked.

"That's been my name since I was born," Harry replied coolly. "But yes, I unfortunately am the Harry Potter you are all stare with shining stars in your eyes. Why?"

"You're…you're back to Hogwarts under a purpose, aren't you? you act like a student, but you don't need Hogwarts."

"Is that a question?"

"Death Eaters are planning to invade Hogwarts," Malfoy went on. "They want to kill you."

Harry raised an eyebrow.

"You're not a student; you don't really act like one," the blond added tentatively. "I'll tell you everything I know about the attack if you swear to spare my father."

Malfoy exposes the plan and a date. Harry meets with Snape and McGonagall and reveals his true intentions. He wants to keep Dumbledore in the dark (doesn't trust him). McGonagall informs him of an old spell that will keep the students safe in their dorm as long as they remain inside for the night of the attack. She agrees to warn the Order to organize the castle's defense. The night of the attack, Harry waits for Malfoy's signal in the Gryffindor Common Room. Hermione and Neville come to him (they are closer friends than Neville and Ron are). Hermione wants an explanation out of him and Neville suspects Harry is hiding something.

"So why are you avoiding me?" she demanded, and Harry forced himself to face those pleading eyes once again.

"When I was a kid, I killed someone. A woman startled me, and I had a burst of accidental magic. You look like her," he confessed. "That's why I can't look at you in the eye…I never really forgave myself."

Malfoy's signal arrives and Harry leaves. He tells the two others what is about to happen. Neville wants to help. Harry agrees reluctantly and warns him he won't intervene if either are in danger because he has his own scheme to follow.

In the Slytherin common room, Malfoy casts a spell to prevent any student from accessing the outside during the invasion. The Death Eater children demand why they aren't allowed to fight alongside their parents, and Malfoy announces the Dark Lord's days are numbered (he witnessed Professor Trelaway prophecy that tells him Voldemort's downfall depends on his actions, Malfoy chooses to destroy the Dark Lord because he might be a bully but he isn't a murderer).

Voldemort enters Hogwarts with his army and finds it mostly empty. He spots Harry Potter and Neville running through the corridors and to the outside. Voldemort follows and taunts the two boys who keep running. Once they reach the ramparts, they find themselves stuck in a dead end.

The Boy-Who-Lived laughed hysterically, panting heavily, but still not gazing away from Voldemort.

"Now I understand what he meant," he said breathlessly. Next to him, Neville started giggling as well and for a short moment, Voldemort hesitated.

A silver reflection blinked into the night. The Dark Lord raised his hand and froze. His eyes widened in shock, his mouth fell open, and a line drew on his neck. A thin, straight, red line. And slowly, the wizard's head detached itself from its body and fell on the ground. Harry only laughed harder with tears in his eyes.

"NO!" Bellatrix howled, arms stretched to reach for her master. Another flash of silver later and her head rolled in turn and joined Voldemort's.

Lucius Malfoy stared incredulously at the scene before turning his attention back on the two students.

"What have you done!" he whispered. "How have you-"

And before he was done speaking, a black shape landed on the edge of the wall, holding two short, black swords. It took Lucius a few seconds to recognize the shape was a human being, entirely dressed in black.

"Who are you?"

"You are lucky you son begged for your mercy," the shape replied dryly, and his eyes widened in recognition. "I swore I wouldn't touch a hair of yours unless provoked."

It was Harry Potter's voice, the same Harry Potter who was cowering against the wall alongside Neville.

Slowly, the shaking Harry Potter changed appearance, to an unfamiliar figure: the mudblood Hermione Granger.

"What-"

Something hit him hard and he fell unconscious.

Malfoy senior is tied up and spared. In the castle, Aurors and the Order swamp in to arrest Death Eaters. Harry thanks the two Gryffindors for their collaboration.

Flashback Harry exposes his plans to the Gryffindors.

"Did you really have to make a deal with Drago Malfoy?"

"He told me about the upcoming attack, and I don't think he really had it in him to kill people. He acted to save his family, even though he might end up regretting that."

"Why so?"

"Both parents are Death Eaters. They will end up in Azkaban if the Ministry hadn't been too corrupted."

"But he's a Slytherin, and the son of a Death Eater," Hermione protested. Harry knew she had been often bullied by the blonde boy so he couldn't hold her suspicions against her. Still, time was running and he couldn't spend it arguing with them.

"You want to help?" he snapped. "Fine; but you better don't forget the plan and I will not hold myself responsible if anything happens to you."

Neville and Hermione expressions hardened.

"You're just a student like us," she remarked. "If we-"

Harry interrupted her with a snort.

"Actually, I'm not a student. I was sent in to disable the Death Eaters network. Kicking Voldemort's ass is just an opportunity I can't miss."

"You're a mercenary?"

Harry ignored her and took a vial out of his pocket. Then he tore a hair from his head and slid it inside.

"This is Polyjuice," he announced flatly.

"Polyjuice?" Hermione repeated, horrified. "But that'll illegal!"

"I need you to drink this. Here is your instructions: get noticed by Death Eaters and draw them on the outside. Hogwarts ramparts would be best."

"The ramparts?"

"Or the Astronomy Tower. Anyplace high and outside. Outside is vital actually."

Neville didn't question him and took the vial.

"If I do this, if I succeed, you guarantee he will die?"

"If you do this, his head won't stand on his shoulders for ten seconds after he steps out."

"If…" the teenager hesitated, but asked: "His lieutenant, Bellatrix Lestrange, she tortured my parents to insanity. Can you kill her too?"

"Neville!" Hermione sputtered in shock. Harry merely frowned.

"Voldemort is my main target," he eventually said. "But I suppose eliminating another dangerous element won't affect my mission."

"Thank you," the young Gryffindor said, but before he could swallow the potion, Hermione snatched the vial and drank it herself. Both boys stared in shock as Hermione slowly shifted into a carbon copy of Harry. For a brief moment, Harry stared at his temporary doppelganger. So this was what people saw when they faced him. He would be fascinated to study her/himself longer if he wasn't short on time.

"It will be a better bait if both Harry and Neville are seen running around the castle," Hermione, with his voice, said shakily. "Voldemort knows Neville would never allow someone take his place."

"Hermione-"Neville started, paling.

"It's my choice and I won't let you wander on your own," she reminded him before turning towards Harry. "Do your job, and we will do ours."

She had guts, he had to admit it. Neville looked like he was about to protest further, but Harry knew better than go against a woman who had made up her mind. He merely nodded and left the Gryffindor common room determinedly.

End Flashback

They relax from the attack when a Death Eater attack out of nowhere and injures Hermione. Harry snaps and fights back before realizing the Death Eater is far too skilled to be a mere follower of Voldemort's. He manages to tear the mask apart and is stunned to discover who is hiding underneath.

"Deb?" he asked, stunned at the sight of the woman. "What –what are you doing here? What's the meaning of this?"

Klaus grimaced, holding her injured arm close to her.

"I guess you're a bit stronger than I anticipated." She growled. "Doesn't matter, I'll just have to upgrade my style."

She moved so fast he nearly missed the spell coming at him and owed his life to Neville pulling him out of the way.

"What the hell Deb!" he shouted, still sending stunners in her direction.

"You are becoming a nuisance to us," she retorted. "I was sent to eliminate you before you became too strong."

Harry and Deborah fight a while before she provokes him into a duel (inside an enclosed arena). Harry agrees in exchange for answers. While they duel, Deborah is amazed at Harry managing to kill Voldemort and asks how he did it. Harry is an animagnus, a black falcon, and mastered his form during his fall off the Helicarrier (which is how he survived). Only Gale and Annam are aware of him being alive. He asks her how she found him, and she tells him she intercepted the letter he sent to Natasha and Clint to let them know he survived. Deborah takes the advantage and before the killing blow, tells him he had become a liability in 'their' eyes. Harry takes advantage of a minor distraction to reverse the situation and slice Deborah to near death. The duel is done but Harry is not finished interrogating his former partner.

He pressed his foot on Klaus's arm. The wounded woman gasped in pain.

"Who is 'us'?" he asked coldly. His eyes were distant and determined. He needed answers, and willingly or not, he would get them from his ex-partner.

"Hydra." She chocked in pain. "They are back, stronger than ever, using SHIELD as their base. Even if you try, it's too late for you to change anything."

She grinned madly, blood between her teeth.

"Project Insight was infiltrated," she went on. "Your precious mentor and your archer will be reduced to dust by their own superiors." She coughed some more blood. "But don't worry, you'll join them soon after."

Harry cursed. If only Annam was here, he could have told her and –

Wait.

"Who else is Hydra!" he shouted and pressed harder on her open wound. "Tell me now! Who is the head of the snake!"

Deborah yowled in pain, her back arching and eyes closed shut.

"Pierce!" she screamed. "He's the one who ordered your death!"

The head of SHIELD himself. Harry wanted to retch. How deeply were the roots of SHIELD corrupted if the head itself…

"Finish me, I'm dead either way." Klaus demanded, cutting his reflection. Harry merely stared, the anger slowly draining out and replaced by exhaustion.

"I trusted you," he said at last. "There were only three people in the MID I trusted, and you were one of them."

"And you were a fool to do so," she replied with a sickening laugh. Her body was shaking her breathing irregular. He could hear Hermione and Neville behind the invisible barrier trying to reach to him. To no avail. There was only one way to end the duel according to his former friend's rules.

Harry kills Deborah before Hermione and Neville's eyes. Then he jumps over the ramparts and shifts into his falcon form to fly back to London HQ. He buys a ticket back to the US and checks the usual safehouses he and Natasha know about and leaves messages behind.

Clint contacts him three days later and tells him all about the Winter Soldier events. The three (Natasha, Clint and Harry) regroup in a countryside house Clint bought under a fake name where an emotional reunion occurs. While Natasha and Clint remain with the Avengers, Harry decides to tour around the world on his own (he has accumulated a reputation and enough money to life off for a while) and tells them to call him if he is ever needed.

Epilogue -1 year later

Harry meets up with Hermione and Neville in a muggle bar (they tried to contact him nonstop for a year and he finally gives in to have peace). They tell him the magical world is still in uproar with his second disappearance and answers are being demanded. He tells them he has no intention of returning, and both students agree to keep his secret. When they part, he receives a text from Natasha that they have localized Loki's scepter and is asking if he wants to join the party. Harry agrees and changes into his falcon form to join them, wondering how will the Avengers team will react upon his sudden coming back from the dead.