Harry Potter: The Revenant

At Pier 47, Peggy Carter and Howard Stark stood under the harsh glow of flickering overhead lights, eyes scanning the deserted warehouse for any sign of their mysterious contact. The letter they'd received was as cryptic as it was urgent, hinting at crucial intel about Hydra and their stolen Serum. The anticipation in the air was thick, like waiting for the other shoe to drop.

When a figure finally emerged from the shadows, Peggy and Howard's expressions shifted from cautious curiosity to genuine shock. The man stepping into the light was none other than Gellert Grindelwald, the infamous dark wizard who had been a thorn in the side of world leaders during World War II. His arrival felt like a thunderstorm breaking over an otherwise calm day.

"Grindelwald," Peggy spat, her hand moving towards her concealed weapon with the reflexes of a seasoned operative. "You've got some nerve showing your face here."

Howard's eyes narrowed, disbelief and anger mixing in his expression. "You should be rotting in a cell for your war crimes."

Gellert raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, but his eyes were sharp, scanning Peggy with a look of recognition and surprise. "I understand your anger, and I would gladly face justice if it meant saving the child I'm here to tell you about."

Peggy's eyes narrowed further. "What child?"

Gellert took a deep breath, his gaze settling on Peggy with a mix of awe and unease. "Harry. A six-year-old boy who Hydra injected with the Super Soldier Serum, aging him up to look 18. But that's only the start. They've also injected him with Weapon X DNA and grafted Vibranium onto his skeleton."

The horror on Peggy and Howard's faces was immediate. "That's monstrous," Peggy whispered, her mind racing with the implications.

"And why should we believe you?" Howard demanded, his skepticism evident.

"Because this is my chance for redemption," Gellert confessed, his voice laden with genuine remorse. "In 1927, during my time in Paris, I allowed a subordinate, Vinda Rosier, to kill a baby to avoid leaving loose ends. That act has haunted me more than any other. Even in Nurmengard, it was that child's death that tormented me. Harry is my chance to make amends. Every day they experiment on him, it tears me apart. I need to get him out, and after that, you're welcome to send me back to prison."

Peggy and Howard exchanged a look that spoke volumes. The sincerity in Grindelwald's eyes was hard to ignore. "Alright," Peggy said cautiously. "We'll help. But if you're playing us, you'll regret it."

Gellert nodded, relief evident. "Thank you. There's more. The Winter Soldier, Hydra's top assassin, is actually Bucky Barnes—a member of the Howling Commandos and Steve Rogers' best friend. He's been brainwashed for decades, but his memories are starting to resurface. We need him to help rescue Harry, and Peggy, you're crucial in making him remember who he is."

Peggy's heart skipped a beat. "Bucky... Oh my God. How do I help him?"

Gellert's eyes lingered on Peggy with a flicker of curiosity before he spoke. "Before I continue, I must ask—how is it you look as youthful and healthy as you did almost forty years ago? I've sensed the effects of the Super Soldier Serum."

Peggy straightened, a mixture of surprise and unease crossing her face. "You've figured it out. Yes, I took the Serum. It's been a while, but it seems it's still holding up."

Gellert nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "That explains your formidable presence. We'll need to pull off a joint assault on the Hydra base. I can provide the location and I have another ally on the inside—the Black Widow."

"The Black Widow?" Howard echoed, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise. "She's a legend already and she's only been active for less than a year."

"Yes," Gellert confirmed. "Natasha Romanoff is on our side. She and I will create chaos from the inside while S.H.I.E.L.D. hits them from the outside. Peggy, you'll need to focus on Bucky. Help him remember who he really is."

Peggy nodded, her mind already whirring with strategy. "We'll need a rock-solid plan and impeccable timing. We can't afford to slip up."

Gellert agreed. "I'll provide detailed intel on the base layout and security. We need to be quick and decisive."

Howard, still grappling with the enormity of the situation, finally nodded. "Alright. Let's get to work."

With their plan set in motion, Peggy, Howard, and Gellert moved to coordinate their resources, knowing that the fate of an innocent child—and possibly the future of their battle against Hydra—hung in the balance like a precarious game of Jenga.

—

Over the next few days, Gellert Grindelwald and Peggy Carter became experts in the art of covert communication. They swapped vital intel through a trusted middleman, each scrap of information about the Hydra base—its location, layout, and optimal assault timing—carefully analyzed and integrated into their master plan.

Meanwhile, Peggy and Howard Stark were busy assembling the ultimate superhero squad. They knew they needed the crème de la crème for this mission. Their first recruit was Nick Fury, a young, sharp-eyed agent whose tactical genius was matched only by his fierce determination. Peggy kept one eye on Nick, sizing him up for a potential future role as S.H.I.E.L.D.'s top boss.

Next on their list was Dr. Henry "Hank" Pym, a biochemist with a knack for shrinking and growing at will thanks to his "Pym particles." Hank, better known as Ant-Man, was brilliant but had the unfortunate habit of mixing business with booze and holding outdated views on women, making him a wild card. His wife, Janet Van Dyne, was also on board. She had the heroic chops to match her smarts and had adopted the moniker "The Wasp." Janet's cool-headedness helped balance Hank's less savory traits, though there was an undeniable tension between them. Peggy could sense the undercurrent of issues, something she filed away for later.

In a secure S.H.I.E.L.D. briefing room, Peggy, Howard, and the team gathered for the final briefing. The air was electric with anticipation.

"Alright, folks," Peggy began, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "We're gearing up for a high-stakes mission. Hydra has a young boy named Harry, and they've subjected him to some pretty horrific experiments. Our job is to rescue him and shut down their operation."

Nick Fury leaned forward, his eyes scanning the detailed map Peggy laid out. "So what's the game plan?"

"This," Peggy said, pointing at the map, "is the Hydra base. We've identified their security measures and weak spots. Gellert and the Black Widow will stir up chaos from the inside, while we hit them from the outside. Timing is everything."

Hank Pym, with a skeptical frown and a side-eye toward Janet, spoke up. "And this Grindelwald guy? We're supposed to trust him just like that?"

Peggy met his gaze with a steady look. "For now, yes. He's our best shot at getting in without blowing our cover. And he's personally invested in saving Harry."

Janet Van Dyne, always the voice of reason, chimed in. "Let's not get sidetracked. If Grindelwald can help us get in, we use that to our advantage."

Howard Stark, who had been absorbed in his own thoughts, finally weighed in. "I'll handle the tech and logistics. Nick, you lead the assault team. Hank and Janet, your skills will be key for navigating the base's defenses."

As they wrapped up their planning session, the tension between Hank and Janet was hard to ignore. Hank's brusque demeanor and Janet's anxious responses suggested there were more issues than just professional ones. Peggy noted this but kept her focus on the mission at hand.

In the days leading up to the big operation, the team trained intensively, drilling every detail of their approach. Their covert communications with Gellert ensured that every piece of the plan was in place.

Finally, the day of the assault arrived. Peggy, Howard, Nick, Hank, and Janet stood poised and ready, united by their single-minded goal. With the plan set and Gellert's diversion ready to go, they waited for the signal to storm the Hydra base. Each member of the team knew that their success hinged on precision and a rock-solid commitment to their mission. For now, all that mattered was rescuing Harry and putting a stop to Hydra's sinister plans.

—

In the shadowy depths of the S.H.I.E.L.D. armory, Howard Stark was busy putting the finishing touches on Peggy Carter's gear for the upcoming mission. The room was a tech-lover's dream, cluttered with futuristic weapons and gadgets, but Howard's focus was solely on the centerpiece—a suit that was essentially Captain America's getup with a Peggy Carter twist.

The suit was a bold clash of blue, red, and white, featuring a giant star on the chest and the Union Jack splashed across the front. It wasn't just about looking heroic; it was built for maximum protection and agility, blending sleek design with real-world function.

Howard worked his magic on the suit, ensuring it fit Peggy like it was custom-made for her (which, in a way, it was). Peggy stood still, her mind locked onto the mission ahead, feeling the suit conform to her form, bolstering her resolve and readiness.

"This suit," Howard said, his voice steady as he adjusted the final straps, "isn't just about armor. It's about carrying forward the legacy. It's a symbol of everything we're fighting for."

Peggy met his gaze with a determined look. "I get it, Howard. We're not just agents today. We're symbols of hope and courage."

Howard stepped back, eyes gleaming with a mix of pride and something else. He reached over to a display and pulled out Captain America's iconic Vibranium shield. It shimmered under the dim lights, radiating the weight of history and heroism.

Peggy's eyes widened. "The shield... How did you get this? It was lost with Steve when the plane went down into the ice."

Howard's face tightened. "Found it during an expedition to search for Steve. It was all I managed to recover."

Peggy's shock was evident. "But what about Steve? Did you find him?"

Howard's expression shifted to one of guarded secrecy. "No sign of him. Just the shield. It's been in storage."

Peggy's thoughts raced. "Howard, where was the crash site? What about Steve's body?"

Howard's eyes darkened. "I couldn't find Steve. Only the shield. But right now, we need to focus on the mission."

Peggy, though clearly troubled, took the shield with a new sense of purpose. "Okay, Howard. We'll discuss this later."

As she strapped the shield onto her arm, its familiar weight felt like a solid promise. The legacy of Captain America was now part of her mission.

Howard watched her, torn between pride and concern. "Be careful out there, Peggy. We really can't afford to lose you."

Peggy flashed him a reassuring smile. "I'll be fine. We'll get Harry out of there. Together."

With her suit on and shield in place, Peggy Carter was more than ready for the mission. She was no longer just the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.; she was a living symbol of hope and justice. As she walked out of the armory, Howard's words echoed in her mind, but the weight of the mission and the shield on her arm steeled her resolve. She was ready to tackle whatever came next, driven by duty and an unyielding sense of responsibility.

—

As Peggy and the team set off for their high-stakes mission, Howard Stark stood in the armory, watching them with a mix of pride and worry. The room, once bustling with the preparations for their mission, was now eerily quiet. 

Howard's mind was anything but peaceful. It was a whirlwind of thoughts, anxieties, and, most haunting of all, secrets. He had seen Peggy strap on Captain America's shield—a symbol of bravery, hope, and an era gone by. But every time he glanced at her, he couldn't help but think of Steve Rogers, the friend he had to leave behind in the ice.

The truth was, Steve wasn't lost to the ice as everyone believed. Howard had found him during his expedition, still alive and preserved in a frozen sleep. The shield Peggy now wielded had been the only thing Howard managed to recover. Steve, on the other hand, was locked away in a top-secret facility, waiting for Howard to work some miracle.

That facility was a private fortress of hope and failure, a place where Howard tried every possible method to awaken his friend, but to no avail. Each failed attempt felt like another nail in the coffin of his guilt and regret. He had promised himself he'd find a way, but so far, every scientific breakthrough and every desperate experiment had come up empty.

He watched Peggy and the team prepare to head off into the unknown, their silhouettes disappearing from view for a minute. Their success or failure now depended on factors beyond his control. Howard's own personal mission—to find a way to revive Steve—was a constant, unspoken weight on his shoulders. 

As the armory door clicked shut, Howard was left alone in the quiet for a minute. The emptiness of the room seemed to amplify his internal struggle. He couldn't share his secret with anyone; the knowledge of Steve's condition was his alone to bear. And so, with a heavy heart and a mind racing with worry, Howard Stark turned away from the now-silent armory and made to follow them, hoping against hope that Peggy and the team would prevail.

—

Outside the Hydra base, the night was filled with the kind of tension that made Peggy Carter feel like she was starring in an action movie—minus the popcorn and the chance to pause for bathroom breaks. Peggy, decked out in her spiffy Captain Carter suit with the Union Jack plastered across her chest, felt like a superhero ready to save the world. The only thing missing was an epic soundtrack.

Nick Fury, who was still very much an agent (and had both his eyes at this point), gave the nod to start the operation. "Alright, team, let's make this look easy," he said, trying to sound cool despite the fact that he was about to dive headfirst into a Hydra base.

Hank Pym, who was currently smaller than a mouse and twice as sneaky, was the first to make his move. He zipped through the chain-link fence like he was auditioning for a spy movie. With a few well-placed karate chops and a flick of his wrist, he made short work of the perimeter guards. Hank's actions were so smooth, it was like watching a magician who had just discovered the art of stealth.

Janet Van Dyne, in her Wasp suit, was like a buzzsaw in the night—quick, efficient, and not in the least bit concerned with the laws of physics. She zipped around, taking out guards with a combination of grace and sheer determination. It was a bit like watching a ballet performance, but with more unconscious bodies and fewer tutus.

Peggy Carter, meanwhile, was having the time of her life. Her new suit was not only snazzy but also made her feel invincible. The shield, which she'd only recently learned was back in play, was like an old friend who had just shown up at a party. Every swing and toss was as satisfying as a perfectly executed punchline.

Howard Stark, who was off to the side playing with his fancy gadgets, looked like a mad scientist in the best possible way. His tech was a cacophony of lights and sounds, making short work of cameras and alarms. "Nothing like a little high-tech wizardry to spice up a night of heroics," he said with a grin, clearly enjoying his role as the team's behind-the-scenes genius.

Nick Fury, ever the consummate professional, took out his share of guards with practiced precision. Peggy couldn't help but watch him with a critical eye. If she was being honest, she was assessing him for a possible promotion. If Fury kept up this level of competence, he might just be the future Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. (or at least the future star of a really great spy movie).

"Everyone good?" Fury's voice crackled through the comms, sounding as calm as if he were ordering a coffee.

"Perfectly fine," Peggy replied, her tone laced with the kind of confidence that came from years of fighting bad guys.

"Then let's get this show on the road," Fury said, his voice setting the stage for what was about to unfold. The team moved forward, each member seamlessly playing their part in this intricate dance of heroism.

As they advanced deeper into the Hydra base, Peggy felt the thrill of the mission—and the weight of her new responsibilities. The stakes were high, but she was ready. With every step, she knew they were not just inching closer to their goal but also shaping the future of S.H.I.E.L.D. And with that thought, Peggy pushed forward, ready for whatever came next.

---

Inside the Hydra base, things were about to get real interesting. Natasha Romanoff and Gellert Grindelwald moved through the hallways like they were the ultimate spy duo. Their mission? Rescue Harry, the kid who'd gone from "aww, cute" to "whoa, when did you become a superhero?" in a matter of days.

Let's back up a bit. Harry used to be this adorable five-year-old, the kind of kid who reminded Natasha of a little brother. Now, thanks to Hydra's not-so-friendly science projects, he was suddenly eighteen, built like a Marvel action figure, and had more muscles than Captain America himself. He also had Vibranium claws—yep, just like Wolverine. Hydra had really outdone themselves on this one, creating a mix between a science experiment and a comic book legend.

Natasha led the way, moving like a shadow ninja through the base. Grindelwald, who looked like he'd just stepped out of a wizarding convention, followed close behind, wand at the ready. They navigated the sterile hallways, which seemed to have been decorated by someone with a fondness for white paint and fluorescent lights. Every corner looked the same, like the worst maze ever designed by an evil lair decorator.

"Keep it low-key," Natasha whispered, even though she knew stealth was never their strong suit. "We've gotta get to Harry's room without tripping every alarm in this place."

Grindelwald nodded, his eyes serious and focused. "I've got the spells for the alarms. We just need to grab Harry and get out before we're surrounded by angry Hydra agents."

When they finally reached Harry's room, what they saw made them both stop in their tracks. Harry was strapped to a medical table, looking more like a sci-fi prop than a person. His huge, muscular body was restrained, but the look in his eyes was pure five-year-old terror.

Natasha was conflicted. Just days ago, Harry was a kid she'd protect with her life. Now, he looked like someone who could bench press a truck. Her feelings were a rollercoaster: a mix of protective big sister and something else entirely, something that had her mind spinning.

"Hey, Harry, we're busting you out of here," she said softly, trying to hide her confusion and desire. (Note to self: hydra labs are not good for surprise visits).

Harry looked up at her with big eyes, a mix of hope and uncertainty in his gaze. His claws retracted with a cool metallic click, and he reached out to Natasha as she helped him off the table.

Grindelwald stood guard at the door, ready to throw a spell at anything that moved. "Time to go. Hydra's not going to like us borrowing their star player."

As they made their way through the base, the tension was so thick you could've cut it with a Vibranium claw. Natasha carried Harry with ease, despite his new size, and Grindelwald's magic kept the hallway clear of guards and other unwelcome surprises.

The base felt like it went on forever, a labyrinth of identical hallways designed to make escape as confusing as possible. It was like a high-tech maze, with every turn feeling like a game of Russian roulette. The air was heavy with the anticipation of their escape, and Harry's grip on Natasha's arm was a constant reminder of what was at stake.

With every step, Natasha's resolve grew stronger, and Grindelwald's wand glowed with protective spells. They were on a mission: get Harry out of Hydra's clutches and away from their crazy science experiments. Despite the swirling emotions in her chest, Natasha knew one thing for sure: she wasn't leaving without Harry, no matter what. Even if she had to fight off a whole army of Hydra agents. Or, you know, if she had to explain to Peggy Carter why they suddenly had a super-powered teenager with claws running around. Either way, it was going to be one heck of a story.

---

Meanwhile, outside the base, Peggy Carter found herself face-to-face with the Winter Soldier, a name that was only slightly less terrifying than a Monday morning without coffee. Standing there in his dark tactical gear, Bucky Barnes looked like he could give Darth Vader a run for his money in the "brooding villain" department. Except, of course, Peggy knew that deep down, Bucky was no villain—he was a hero under a very nasty spell of amnesia.

"Hey, Bucky!" Peggy called out, trying to inject a little cheer into the grim surroundings. "Long time no see! You don't happen to remember me, do you?"

Bucky's response was less than ideal. He lunged at her, a blur of fists and metal, forcing Peggy to duck and roll out of the way. Talk about a lousy welcome. She barely had time to register the whoosh of his metal arm swinging where her head had been before she was back on her feet, shield at the ready.

"Okay, so you don't want to chat," she muttered, sidestepping another attack. "Got it. But seriously, Bucky, you should know this whole assassin look isn't really your color."

The Winter Soldier didn't even blink. His attacks were relentless, each one harder to dodge than the last. It was like fighting a Terminator, but with a tragic backstory instead of an Austrian accent. Peggy knew she had to get through to him—she just needed to find the right words, the magic phrase that would snap him out of this trance.

"Remember Steve?" Peggy said, using her shield to deflect a blow that would've sent her flying. "Your best friend? You guys were like the original buddy cop duo, taking on the bad guys and making the world a better place."

For a moment, Bucky paused, his expression flickering between confusion and frustration. It was like watching someone trying to remember a dream they'd had the night before, only to have it slip through their fingers.

Peggy took advantage of the pause, lowering her shield slightly. "Come on, Bucky. Think back to all the good times—the laughs, the missions, the really awful cafeteria food. You're not just the Winter Soldier. You're Bucky Barnes, Steve Rogers' best friend. And we need you back."

The words seemed to hit a nerve. Bucky's gaze softened, his metal arm lowering just a fraction. He blinked, as if waking up from a long, dark dream. "Peggy?" he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Is it really you?"

Peggy nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "It's me, Bucky. And it's good to see you again."

The memories came flooding back then, like a tidal wave crashing over him. Bucky staggered back, his hands clutching his head as if trying to hold onto the fragments of his past. It was all there—the war, Steve, Peggy. The man he used to be before Hydra got their claws into him.

"I remember," he said, his voice shaking. "I remember everything."

Peggy stepped forward, placing a hand on his arm, her eyes filled with a mix of relief and determination. "Welcome back, Bucky. Now, let's show Hydra what happens when they mess with our friends."

Bucky nodded, a newfound resolve in his eyes. The Winter Soldier might have been Hydra's greatest weapon, but now he was back where he belonged—fighting alongside his friends, ready to take down anyone who threatened the people he cared about.

Together, Peggy and Bucky turned to face the Hydra agents, a united front against the darkness. And as they charged into battle, side by side, Peggy couldn't help but feel a surge of hope. After all, with friends like these, how could they possibly lose?

---

Inside the Hydra base, the air crackled with tension. Grindelwald and Natasha moved through the maze of corridors with the practiced ease of seasoned spies. Behind them trailed Harry, who had somehow gone from being a pint-sized bundle of curiosity to an 18-year-old muscle-bound powerhouse, complete with claws that could slice through steel like butter. Harry's internal struggle was akin to a kid trying to navigate a grown-up's world—if that world involved a lot of high-stakes spy stuff and magical mayhem.

Just as they turned a corner, they ran smack into Daniel Whitehall, who looked like he'd just bitten into a particularly sour lemon. Whitehall's Hydra army flanked him, their guns trained on the trio. The scene was set for an epic showdown.

Whitehall's face twisted into a sneer that could curdle milk. "Well, if it isn't my most cherished assets. And what a delightful surprise to see Der Winterzauberer here as well. I must admit, I'm not particularly thrilled with this little act of rebellion."

Natasha leaned against the wall nonchalantly, her stance casual but her eyes sharp. "Yeah, well, Whitehall, your management style is about as appealing as a week-old pizza. We're just here to make a new plan, one that doesn't involve world domination."

Grindelwald, ever the drama king, offered a theatrical bow. "Apologies, Whitehall, but we're rather fond of our freedom. Your plans, however, are less appealing than a triple-decker sandwich filled with disappointment."

Harry, caught in the middle of this high-stakes showdown, felt his muscles tensing as the Hydra soldiers began to advance. He looked down at his claws, now extended and gleaming. He had been itching to see what these bad boys could do. As he flexed his claws, a sudden, unexpected surge of magical energy erupted from them. It wasn't just a trickle—it was a full-blown burst of dazzling light, like the most spectacular fireworks show you could imagine.

Whitehall's eyes widened in shock as Harry's claws unleashed a magical blast that cut through the Hydra ranks with a mix of raw power and elegant precision. Harry stared at his claws, equally stunned. "Whoa, did I just… use my claws like wands? That's wicked!"

Natasha raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Kid, you've got some serious hidden talents. Didn't see that one coming."

Grindelwald, usually the one doing the magic, looked at Harry with a mix of pride and astonishment. "Harry, my dear boy, you're not just strong—you're a natural at this magical combat. Quite impressive."

Whitehall, who had been momentarily thrown off by the spectacle, was now red-faced with fury. "This—this isn't some magic show! Take them down, you fools!"

The Hydra soldiers charged, but Harry was already in motion. Using his claws to deflect bullets and channel bursts of magic, he moved with a blend of lethal grace and youthful enthusiasm. Natasha and Grindelwald leapt into action, combining their skills to dismantle the Hydra forces with a series of coordinated attacks.

The battle was intense and chaotic, a whirlwind of combat where Harry's new abilities shone brightly. He felt a surge of confidence with every swipe of his claws, each magical blast that flew from his hands. He wasn't just the kid caught in a grown-up's world anymore—he was a formidable force, ready to take on whatever Hydra could throw at him.

As the last of the Hydra soldiers fell or retreated, Whitehall's face was a picture of defeat. "This isn't the end, Der Winterzauberer!" he roared, disappearing into the shadows.

Harry, Natasha, and Grindelwald stood amid the wreckage of the battle, breathing heavily but victorious. Harry looked at his claws, now retracted, with a sense of awe and determination.

"Guess I'm not just a kid with super-strength anymore," Harry said, a grin spreading across his face. "I'm ready to be the hero I was meant to be."

With a sense of renewed purpose, they pressed forward, ready to face whatever lay ahead. Because together, they knew there was nothing they couldn't handle.

—

As Harry, Grindelwald, and Natasha rounded a corner in the chaos of the Hydra base, they finally encountered the S.H.I.E.L.D. team. It was like running into a scene from a blockbuster movie—Peggy Carter, now in her snazzy super-soldier suit, and a familiar face from earlier: Howard Stark, busy adjusting a gadget that looked like it was about to blow something up.

"Peggy, Howard, this is Harry," Grindelwald said with an exaggerated flourish, as if introducing a high-stakes magician. "And you've already met Natasha."

Peggy's eyes widened at the sight of Harry. "You weren't kidding about him being... impressive," she said, her gaze shifting from the now quite muscular Harry to his claws.

"Nice to meet you all," Harry said, trying to sound casual despite the adrenaline still buzzing in his veins. "So, are we getting out of here or what?"

Before anyone could answer, Bucky appeared, looking surprisingly calm amidst the chaos. His metal arm gleamed ominously in the dim light.

"Harry," Bucky said in a low, gravelly voice. "It's good to see you in one piece."

Harry's jaw dropped when he saw him—this was the first time the Winter Soldier had spoken since Harry met him.

Harry blinked, dumbfounded. "Wait, you talk? I thought you were mute."

Bucky offered a rare, ghost of a smile. "Well, I'm full of surprises."

They exchanged a look of mutual respect—Harry still trying to wrap his head around the fact that his gruff trainer was actually capable of human interaction.

"Alright, folks," Peggy said, taking charge. "We need to get out of here and debrief at a S.H.I.E.L.D. safehouse. But first, we're blowing this place to pieces."

"Sounds like a plan," Grindelwald agreed, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I've always had a flair for dramatic exits."

As they made their way to the exit, Howard busied himself with setting up a series of explosive devices—because, of course, what's a daring escape without a little pyrotechnics?

"Everyone ready?" Howard asked, checking his gadgets with a precision that suggested he was more than a little excited about this part.

"Ready," Natasha replied, her gaze steely.

They hustled through the corridors, the sound of explosions growing louder as Howard's devices went off. The base began to tremble and collapse in a series of spectacular bursts of flame and debris. The team emerged into the open air, just in time to see the Hydra base erupt in a massive explosion, sending plumes of smoke and fire into the sky.

The heroes walked away from the inferno with a combination of relief and triumph. They moved with the confident stride of people who had just pulled off an impossible feat.

As they reached the safety of their vehicle, Peggy clapped Harry on the back. "You did great today, kid. We're heading to the safehouse to regroup and figure out our next steps."

Harry, feeling the weight of the day's events but also a surge of exhilaration, nodded. "I'm ready for whatever comes next."

With that, they piled into the vehicle, leaving behind the smoldering ruins of the Hydra base. The road ahead was uncertain, but for now, they were victorious. And as the smoke cleared, they knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, with all the confidence and camaraderie they'd forged through their explosive escape.

—

Meanwhile, James, Sirius, and Lily appeared with a pop at the site of what used to be the Hydra facility. To call it a mess would be the understatement of the century. There was rubble, smoke, and flames everywhere—a real fixer-upper for the next Bond villain, if you asked Sirius.

Sirius pulled out his trusty pocket watch, the one he had blood-linked to Harry when he was just a baby. It was a magical GPS for his godson emergencies—like when Harry vanished at the zoo or in this case, got himself captured by Hydra.

"Alright, you glorified compass, show us the way," Sirius muttered, tapping the watch face with his wand. The hands spun around like they were playing a game of spin-the-bottle, then pointed towards the facility's smoldering remains.

Lily, her eyes wide with worry, glanced at James. "Do you think he's still here?" she asked, her voice shaking a bit.

"He better be," James replied, though his voice betrayed his own nerves. "We've got to find him. Harry!" he called out, his voice echoing through the destruction.

They picked their way through the debris, their hearts pounding like a rock band's drum solo. The watch led them deeper into the facility, but every turn just led to more broken bits and pieces, like a jigsaw puzzle no one ever wanted.

"Harry!" Lily called again, her voice filled with growing desperation. "Harry, where are you?"

Finally, they reached the heart of the facility, where the pocket watch's hands pointed straight down. Sirius looked around, his brow furrowed in confusion. "He should be right here. This doesn't make any sense."

James kicked a piece of debris in frustration. "He was here. The watch wouldn't lie."

Lily knelt down, picking up a scrap of torn fabric from the ground. "He's not here anymore. He must have left just before we got here." Her voice was heavy with disappointment, but there was a hint of relief, too, knowing their son had escaped the chaos.

Sirius nodded, tucking the watch back into his pocket. "That's good news, right? If he left, it means he's safe."

James ran a hand through his hair, letting out a sigh. "We just missed him. Probably by minutes."

Lily stood up, her resolve strengthening. "We'll find him. We just have to keep looking."

Sirius put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We'll track him down."

As they prepared to Apparate back, James looked at his friends. "Alright, we've got a lead. Let's see if we can catch up with him."

With that, they all concentrated, picturing their next destination, and with a soft crack, they vanished, ready to continue their search for Harry.

---

Hey fellow fanfic enthusiasts!

I hope you're enjoying the fanfiction so far! I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Whether you loved it, hated it, or have some constructive criticism, your feedback is super important to me. Feel free to drop a comment or send me a message with your thoughts. Can't wait to hear from you!

If you're passionate about fanfiction and love discussing stories, characters, and plot twists, then you're in the right place! I've created a Discord server dedicated to diving deep into the world of fanfiction, especially my own stories. Whether you're a reader, a writer, or just someone who enjoys a good tale, I welcome you to join us for lively discussions, feedback sessions, and maybe even some sneak peeks into upcoming chapters, along with artwork related to the stories. Let's nerd out together over our favorite fandoms and explore the endless possibilities of storytelling!

Click the link below to join the conversation:

https://discord.com/invite/HHHwRsB6wd

Can't wait to see you there!

If you appreciate my work and want to support me, consider buying me a cup of coffee. Your support helps me keep writing and bringing more stories to you. You can do so via PayPal here:

https://www.paypal.me/VikrantUtekar007

Or through my Buy Me a Coffee page:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/vikired001s

Thank you for your support!