Chapter Text
The Danger Room had been everything Harry expected and considerably more than he'd prepared for—a holographic combat simulation facility that made Hogwarts' Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom look like a particularly well-funded community center. The technology was extraordinary, the tactical scenarios were genuinely challenging, and Bobby's creative interpretations of standard training parameters had resulted in what could only be described as "ice dragons with a concerning degree of artificial intelligence and remarkably advanced combat tactics."
By the time they'd finished the demonstration—which had involved Harry learning to coordinate his phoenix wings with Scott's precision optic blasts while Jean provided telepathic battlefield coordination and Bobby created increasingly elaborate frozen obstacles that defied several laws of physics—all four of them were exhausted, exhilarated, and covered in what appeared to be crystalline ice residue that sparkled in the overhead lighting.
"Right," Harry said, brushing ice crystals from his hair while his armor slowly melted back into his skin, "I officially retract any previous complaints about Hogwarts' approach to practical education. This is considerably more sophisticated than 'release a boggart and hope for the best.'"
"Wait until you see what happens when Logan programs the scenarios," Bobby replied with obvious delight, creating small ice sculptures in his palms purely for the therapeutic value of fine motor control after extended combat simulation. "He has very direct opinions about the importance of learning to fight dirty when your life depends on it."
Jean was examining the holographic readouts with the kind of focused intensity that suggested both scientific curiosity and professional concern. "Your energy output readings are extraordinary, Harry. The Phoenix enhancement isn't just amplifying your existing abilities—it's fundamentally changing how you process and channel power. These numbers are... well, they're unprecedented in our database."
"Is that good unprecedented or 'call in federal authorities because we're dealing with potential doomsday scenarios' unprecedented?" Harry asked, though his tone suggested he was only partially joking about the possibility of government intervention.
"Depends on how you choose to use them," Scott replied with the kind of measured consideration that came from years of learning that power without responsibility was just destruction waiting to happen. "Omega Level abilities always carry significant risk-benefit ratios. The question is whether the individual wielding them has the judgment and self-control necessary to avoid catastrophic mistakes."
The conversation was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps—multiple sets, moving with the purposeful stride of people who had specific destinations and important information to share. Harry's enhanced senses identified the approaching individuals before they came into view: Logan's distinctive heavy tread, Sirius's lighter but equally confident pace, and Storm's graceful movement that seemed to flow like controlled weather patterns.
"There you are," Sirius called out as the three adults appeared in the Danger Room's entrance, his aristocratic features carrying the kind of satisfied expression that suggested successful completion of unpleasant but necessary business. "We've been looking everywhere for you lot. Harry, we need to talk—the financial conversion went better than expected, and there are some developments you should know about."
Logan looked distinctly rumpled in the way that suggested several hours spent dealing with New York traffic, underground antiquities dealers, and bureaucratic complications that involved creative interpretation of federal regulations. His flannel shirt was wrinkled, his hair was even more ridiculous than usual, and he carried the faint scent of cigar smoke and urban exhaust that clung to anyone who'd spent extended time navigating the city's transportation infrastructure.
"The meeting with Marcus went smoothly," he continued, settling against the Danger Room's wall with the casual ownership of someone who'd bled on enough surfaces to claim territorial rights. "Professional, discrete, and he's got a buyer lined up who's willing to pay premium prices for coins with 'complex provenance histories.' Exact quote, by the way."
Storm appeared beside them with the kind of serene elegance that made even casual conversation seem like important diplomatic negotiations, her white hair shifting with breezes that seemed to follow her personal weather patterns. "Professor Xavier has also made significant progress with his government contacts regarding your documentation requirements. He's currently speaking with someone he describes as 'an old friend with access to the kind of resources that officially don't exist but are remarkably effective at solving problems that technically shouldn't be possible to solve.'"
Harry raised an eyebrow with aristocratic precision. "Government contacts with access to resources that officially don't exist? That sounds either very reassuring or profoundly concerning, depending on what kind of government we're talking about."
"The kind that deals with situations involving individuals whose abilities operate outside conventional reality," Storm replied with the diplomatic precision that came from years of navigating political complexities that involved supernatural abilities and international security concerns. "Professor Xavier has cultivated relationships with people who understand that sometimes conventional solutions are inadequate for unconventional problems."
"Such as interdimensional refugees with cosmic enhancement and a documented tendency toward property damage?" Sirius asked with dry humor that suggested he was beginning to appreciate the scope of the bureaucratic challenges they faced.
"Among other things," Storm confirmed with what might have been amusement. "Charles has been dealing with extraordinary situations for decades—individuals whose circumstances don't fit into standard categories and who need assistance that extends beyond conventional social services."
Jean stepped forward with the kind of eager curiosity that suggested she'd been wondering about the practical logistics of their situation. "What kind of timeline are we looking at for the documentation? Because Harry's academic tutoring schedule depends partly on how long you'll be staying as guests versus becoming permanent residents."
The question carried undertones that had nothing to do with administrative planning and everything to do with someone who'd just spent several hours discovering that she very much enjoyed Harry Potter's company and was hoping that enjoyment wouldn't be limited to a temporary arrangement.
"Six months, possibly less if the documentation process goes smoothly," Logan replied, though his keen senses picked up the electromagnetic tension between Jean and Harry and his expression suggested he was filing that information under 'interesting developments that will probably become complicated later.' "Long enough to establish comprehensive backgrounds, educational records, employment histories—everything needed to function as legal residents rather than mysterious individuals with no documented existence."
Bobby's ice-blue eyes sharpened with sudden interest. "Six months? That means you'll be here for the entire academic year. Both semesters, all the major social events, probably the spring tactical exercises that Logan uses to determine which students are ready for advanced combat training."
"Spring tactical exercises?" Harry repeated with the kind of interested concern that came from extensive experience with educational activities that sounded deceptively innocent but usually involved significant risk of bodily harm.
"Logan's version of comprehensive final examinations," Scott explained with fond exasperation. "Survival scenarios, tactical problem-solving under pressure, team coordination exercises, and what he diplomatically describes as 'character development through controlled adversity' and less diplomatically describes as 'learning to think clearly when people are trying to kill you.'"
"Sounds remarkably similar to my Hogwarts experience," Harry replied with obvious anticipation rather than concern. "Though I suspect the technology here is considerably more sophisticated than 'release dangerous magical creatures and hope the students develop appropriate survival responses before anyone requires extended medical treatment.'"
Logan's grin was sharp enough to cut glass. "Kid's got the right attitude. Most students spend at least three weeks complaining about the difficulty level before they start appreciating the practical applications."
"Speaking of practical applications," Storm interjected with the kind of gentle authority that suggested she was steering the conversation toward more immediate concerns, "Professor Xavier would like to see both of you in his office. His contact is still on the secure line, and there are some details about your legal status that need to be discussed sooner rather than later."
Sirius straightened with the kind of alert attention that came from years of learning that conversations involving government contacts and legal documentation could have implications that extended well beyond simple paperwork. "Official details or the kind of details that require security clearances and plausible deniability?"
"Both, probably," Logan said with the casual acceptance that came from decades of dealing with individuals whose job descriptions included phrases like 'national security' and 'need to know basis.' "The guy Xavier's talking to—Nick Fury, Director of an organization called S.H.I.E.L.D.—specializes in situations that fall through the cracks between conventional law enforcement and cosmic-level threats to planetary security."
Harry and Sirius exchanged glances that carried the weight of shared experience with authority figures who operated in gray areas between official policy and practical necessity.
"S.H.I.E.L.D.," Harry repeated thoughtfully. "Strategic something-or-other involving individuals with extraordinary abilities and threats that require unconventional responses?"
"Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division," Storm confirmed with the precision of someone who'd memorized official titles and understood their implications. "They handle situations involving enhanced individuals, extraterrestrial contact, advanced technology that exceeds current scientific understanding, and what their mission briefings diplomatically describe as 'anomalous phenomena requiring immediate containment or evaluation.'"
"Anomalous phenomena," Sirius said with the kind of dry appreciation that suggested he was recognizing familiar bureaucratic euphemisms. "Let me guess—interdimensional refugees with cosmic enhancement probably qualify as 'anomalous phenomena requiring immediate evaluation.'"
"Among other classifications," Logan confirmed. "But Fury's good people. Pragmatic, professional, and he understands the difference between containing genuine threats and helping people who need assistance navigating systems that weren't designed for their particular circumstances."
Jean moved closer to Harry with the kind of subtle possessiveness that suggested she was reluctant to see him disappear into administrative discussions that might involve complications beyond simple documentation processing. "How long do you think the meeting will take? Because we still haven't finished the campus tour, and I wanted to show you the library before dinner."
The invitation carried enough electromagnetic warmth to power the mansion's heating system, and Harry's enhanced senses picked up details that his teenage physiology processed with the kind of precision that was both flattering and tactically disadvantageous: the way her pulse quickened when she stood close to him, the faint scent of her shampoo that he was beginning to recognize as uniquely hers, the subtle shift in her posture that suggested she was very aware of him as someone considerably more interesting than just another student requiring academic assistance.
"Shouldn't take too long," Harry replied, his voice dropping to that warm, intimate register that made hearts flutter and logical thinking become significantly more difficult. "Government contacts usually want practical information rather than extended philosophical discussions. Basic background, capability assessment, assurance that I'm not planning to accidentally incinerate major population centers—standard bureaucratic checklist for anomalous phenomena."
"And after that," Sirius added with the kind of paternal authority that suggested he was taking his guardianship responsibilities seriously despite their unusual circumstances, "Harry needs to get properly settled in his quarters and probably review the academic materials Jean's prepared for tomorrow's tutoring session."
Jean's smile could have convinced entire governments to switch to renewable energy sources and probably solved several international diplomatic crises through sheer force of charm. "I've put together a comprehensive reading list covering modern history, basic sciences, and cultural context materials that should help bridge the gap between magical education and conventional academic expectations. Fair warning—it's quite extensive, but I think you'll find it interesting rather than overwhelming."
"I'm looking forward to it," Harry said, his green eyes holding depths that hadn't been there before the Phoenix enhancement but were rapidly becoming one of his most devastatingly attractive features. "It's been years since I've had the opportunity to learn things simply because they were interesting rather than because they might keep me alive during the next crisis involving dark wizards and government incompetence."
Bobby cleared his throat with theatrical timing that suggested he was enjoying the romantic undercurrents considerably more than Scott, who'd been growing progressively quieter as the conversation developed. "Well, this has been educational and emotionally complex in equal measure. Should we head up to Professor Xavier's office, or are we going to stand here discussing academic schedules while government agents with security clearances wait on secure phone lines?"
"Bobby's got a point," Logan said, pushing off from the wall with fluid grace that belied his apparent casualness. "Fury doesn't like to be kept waiting, and he's got the kind of schedule that involves national security briefings and congressional oversight committees that ask pointed questions about how taxpayer money gets spent on classified operations."
The group began moving toward the mansion's main levels, with Storm leading the way through corridors that showcased the kind of architectural sophistication that came from combining historical preservation with cutting-edge technology. Jean walked beside Harry with the kind of easy companionship that suggested they'd known each other considerably longer than twelve hours, while Scott maintained polite conversation that barely concealed his growing awareness that his romantic prospects had become significantly more complicated since yesterday evening.
"One more thing," Sirius said as they approached Xavier's office, his tone carrying the weight of information that had strategic implications. "Marcus—our antiquities contact—mentioned that there's been some unusual interest in the New York collectibles market lately. People asking questions about medieval coins, interdimensional artifacts, that sort of thing. Could be coincidence, could be government monitoring, or could be something else entirely."
Logan's expression sharpened with predatory awareness. "What kind of people?"
"The kind who pay well for information and don't ask for receipts," Sirius replied grimly. "Marcus has been in the business long enough to recognize when inquiries move beyond academic interest toward the sort of professional curiosity that involves federal badges or worse."
Harry felt something cold settle in his stomach—the familiar sensation that came from learning that peaceful interludes were temporary and complications were inevitable. "How much worse are we talking about? Government surveillance, criminal organizations, or the kind of 'worse' that involves people with abilities and questionable moral standards?"
"Unknown at this point," Storm said with the kind of diplomatic precision that suggested she was already considering tactical implications. "But Professor Xavier's security protocols include monitoring for exactly this sort of unusual attention. If there are individuals or organizations showing interest in our new arrivals, we'll identify them soon enough."
"And then?" Jean asked, though something in her voice suggested she was already calculating protective strategies that might involve considerable property damage and creative applications of Phoenix-enhanced telepathy.
Logan's grin was sharp enough to draw blood. "Then we find out exactly what they want and explain why they should want something else instead. Usually in terms that don't require extended diplomatic negotiations."
Harry's smile carried undertones that suggested the cosmic enhancement had included improvements to his tactical instincts as well as his raw power levels. "Well, that sounds familiar. Though I have to say, it'll be refreshing to face hostile organizations that use conventional weapons and straightforward motivations instead of dark magic, political manipulation, and schemes that require flow charts to understand properly."
"Kid," Logan said with something approaching paternal affection, "you're gonna fit right in around here."
As they approached Xavier's office, Harry found himself thinking that Logan was probably right—though given his track record with fitting in, that probably meant their peaceful morning was about to become considerably more interesting than anyone had planned.
After all, in Harry Potter's experience, the moment life started feeling manageable was usually when it decided to remind him that 'manageable' was a temporary condition that existed primarily to make the subsequent chaos more educational.
---
**Xavier's Office - Simultaneously**
The secure communication array built into Charles Xavier's desk represented technology that officially didn't exist, had never been manufactured, and certainly hadn't been installed by contractors who possessed security clearances requiring congressional oversight and presidential authorization. The encryption protocols alone would have made NSA cryptographers weep with professional envy, while the quantum entanglement communication systems that ensured absolute privacy probably violated several international treaties that Nick Fury had personally helped write.
Director Fury's voice carried across the connection with the kind of authority that came from decades of making decisions that affected global security while maintaining plausible deniability about methods that congressional oversight committees would find deeply troubling. "So let me make sure I understand the situation correctly, Charles. Two individuals from another dimension, one of whom registers as Omega Level with cosmic enhancement capabilities, materialized on your doorstep yesterday evening with enough gold to fund a small military coup and background stories that involve dark wizards, interdimensional warfare, and what sounds suspiciously like child soldier programs disguised as educational initiatives."
Xavier leaned back in his wheelchair, his fingers steepled as he considered the most diplomatic way to present information that was extraordinary even by S.H.I.E.L.D.'s generous standards for unusual circumstances. "That's a remarkably succinct summary, though I'd characterize their educational experience as 'specialized training under extreme circumstances' rather than child soldier programs. The distinction may seem academic, but it's important for understanding their psychological profiles and integration requirements."
"Charles," Fury's voice carried the kind of weary patience that came from years of dealing with individuals who had doctorates in making simple situations unnecessarily complex, "when you say 'specialized training under extreme circumstances,' are you talking about advanced tactical education or are you talking about teenagers being expected to fight actual wars against opponents who were actively trying to kill them?"
"The latter, unfortunately," Xavier admitted with the kind of careful honesty that came from recognizing that euphemisms would be counterproductive in this context. "Harry Potter, in particular, spent approximately five years as the primary target of what can only be described as a genocidal terrorist organization led by an individual whose abilities and methods would qualify him as a Class Five threat under our current assessment protocols."
There was a pause during which Xavier could practically hear Fury processing implications and coming up with tactical assessments that involved considerable resources and potential complications extending well beyond simple documentation fraud.
"Class Five," Fury repeated slowly. "You're telling me this kid survived five years being hunted by someone who rates at the same threat level as galactic conquerors, cosmic entities, and individuals who can reshape continental geography through force of will?"
"Not only survived, but ultimately defeated," Xavier confirmed. "Along with the associated terrorist organization, their government allies, and a variety of supernatural entities that were allied with their cause. The final battle involved several adult and teenage combatants and resulted in what their historical records describe as the decisive end of their reality's second wizarding war."
"Wizarding war," Fury said with the kind of tone that suggested he was adding new categories to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s threat assessment databases. "Actual magic, not advanced science that we don't understand yet, not genetic mutation that produces reality-altering effects, but honest-to-God magic involving spells, potions, and presumably flying broomsticks and pointy hats?"
"Flying broomsticks, certainly, though the pointy hats appear to be more ceremonial than practical," Xavier replied with gentle humor that barely concealed his fascination with the subject. "Their magical system appears to operate according to principles that are both internally consistent and completely independent of our understanding of physics, chemistry, or any other conventional science. It's rather like discovering that an entire parallel system of natural laws has been operating alongside conventional reality."
"And now this kid—this Harry Potter—has been cosmically enhanced by entities that you describe as fundamental forces of creation and destruction, giving him abilities that register as Omega Level on your detection systems while maintaining access to magical techniques that can apparently conjure matter from theoretical nothing and manipulate reality through applied willpower."
"That's an accurate assessment," Xavier confirmed, though his tone suggested there were additional complexities that couldn't be adequately summarized in simple threat evaluations. "However, I should emphasize that both individuals appear to be psychologically stable, morally committed to protecting innocent people, and genuinely interested in integrating peacefully into this reality rather than attempting to impose their will upon it."
"Charles," Fury's voice carried the kind of sharp attention that meant he was shifting into operational planning mode, "I've been doing this job long enough to know that 'psychologically stable' and 'morally committed' are conditions that can change rapidly when individuals with cosmic-level abilities are faced with circumstances that challenge their existing belief systems or threaten people they care about."
"I'm aware of the risks," Xavier replied with the careful precision of someone who'd spent decades managing individuals whose abilities could accidentally destroy cities during particularly emotional moments. "However, I'm also aware that attempting to contain or control individuals with these capabilities would likely prove counterproductive and potentially catastrophic. Our best option is integration, education, and providing them with the social support necessary to maintain their current psychological equilibrium."
"Integration," Fury repeated thoughtfully. "Which brings us to the practical question of documentation. Creating legal identities comprehensive enough to withstand federal scrutiny for individuals whose backgrounds involve interdimensional travel and cosmic enhancement isn't exactly standard operating procedure, even for S.H.I.E.L.D."
Xavier's expression grew more serious as they moved into the specific details that would determine whether Harry and Sirius could build new lives in this reality or would be forced to exist as permanent fugitives from bureaucratic systems that couldn't accommodate their circumstances.
"I'm not asking for anything that would compromise S.H.I.E.L.D.'s operational security or violate your protocols regarding enhanced individuals," Xavier said carefully. "Simply documentation that allows them to function as legal residents—social security numbers, birth certificates that reference destroyed records, educational histories that explain their unconventional knowledge base without mentioning interdimensional travel or magical education."
"And if congressional oversight committees start asking pointed questions about why two individuals with no documented existence prior to this week suddenly possess comprehensive federal identification?"
"Then we provide them with cover stories that are both truthful and sufficiently mundane to discourage extended investigation," Xavier replied smoothly. "Refugees from conflict zones where record-keeping was disrupted by warfare, individuals whose families maintained privacy through legal but unconventional methods, people whose documentation was lost due to natural disasters or administrative failures—there are dozens of plausible explanations that don't require mentioning cosmic entities or interdimensional displacement."
Fury was quiet for several moments, during which Xavier could hear the distinctive sound of secure keyboards and multiple electronic systems that suggested the S.H.I.E.L.D. director was accessing databases and running preliminary assessments in real-time.
"The financial aspect is going to be the most problematic element," Fury said finally. "Large quantities of precious metals with complex provenance histories tend to attract attention from federal agencies that specialize in money laundering, tax evasion, and international smuggling operations. We'll need to establish legitimate sources for their wealth that can withstand audit-level scrutiny."
"Logan has contacts in the antiquities market who specialize in discrete transactions involving items with 'interesting' histories," Xavier replied diplomatically. "Professional, established, and experienced in handling materials that require creative documentation for legal purposes."
"Marcus Blackwood," Fury said immediately, his tone suggesting access to information that confirmed S.H.I.E.L.D.'s monitoring capabilities extended into areas that most people would consider private business transactions. "Good choice. He's been on our watch list for fifteen years as a person of interest, but never for anything that threatened national security. Professional discretion, legitimate business practices, clientele that includes several individuals who require privacy for reasons that don't involve criminal activity."
Xavier raised an eyebrow at the casual demonstration of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s intelligence capabilities, though his expression suggested more interest than concern. "I take it you're familiar with most of the players in markets that cater to individuals with unconventional needs?"
"Charles, I'm familiar with every individual in North America who has the resources and inclination to help enhanced persons establish legal identities, convert unusual assets into conventional currency, or provide services that exist in the gray areas between legal and necessary," Fury replied with matter-of-fact precision. "It's part of the job description when you're responsible for maintaining national security in a world where enhanced individuals are becoming increasingly common and their circumstances are becoming increasingly complex."
"And your assessment of our situation?"
"Manageable, assuming both individuals continue to demonstrate the psychological stability and cooperative attitude you've described," Fury said, though his tone suggested he was already implementing monitoring protocols that would track their integration progress. "S.H.I.E.L.D. can provide the documentation they need, establish financial histories that explain their assets, and create educational records that account for their knowledge base without raising suspicious questions."
"What kind of oversight will be involved?" Xavier asked, recognizing that S.H.I.E.L.D.'s assistance would come with conditions that needed to be clearly understood by everyone involved.
"Standard enhanced individual monitoring—periodic check-ins, assessment of ability development and psychological status, notification protocols if their threat level changes significantly," Fury replied with professional neutrality. "Nothing invasive, nothing that restricts their freedom or privacy, but enough oversight to ensure early warning if circumstances change in ways that could affect public safety."
"That seems reasonable," Xavier agreed, though his tone suggested he was filing away details that would need to be discussed with Harry and Sirius before any formal agreements were reached. "What kind of timeline are we looking at for the documentation process?"
"Four to six months for comprehensive backgrounds that can withstand audit-level scrutiny," Fury said with the confidence that came from extensive experience managing similar operations. "Less time if you're willing to accept documentation that's adequate for routine purposes but might not survive intensive federal investigation."
"Comprehensive backgrounds," Xavier decided immediately. "These individuals are planning to build permanent lives in this reality, which means their documentation needs to be capable of withstanding whatever scrutiny they might encounter over the decades to come."
"Understood. I'll have my people begin the process immediately. Financial integration, educational records, employment histories—everything needed to function as legal residents with legitimate reasons for possessing their knowledge and resources." Fury paused, and when he continued, his voice carried a note that suggested personal interest beyond simple professional duty. "Charles, I want to meet them. Both of them, but especially the Potter kid."
"Professional curiosity or security concerns?"
"Both," Fury admitted with characteristic honesty. "Anyone who survived what you've described while maintaining psychological stability and moral clarity represents either a valuable potential asset or a threat that needs to be properly understood. Either way, I want to make my own assessment before we commit S.H.I.E.L.D. resources to their integration."
Xavier nodded, though Fury couldn't see the gesture through their audio-only connection. "I'll arrange a meeting. Though I should warn you that Harry Potter has considerable experience with government officials whose interest in his abilities exceeded their concern for his welfare. He's likely to be suspicious of federal attention until proven otherwise."
"Can't blame him for that," Fury said with dry humor. "In my experience, individuals with cosmic-level abilities who trust government officials without reservation tend to end up in situations that serve everyone's interests except their own. A little healthy skepticism is probably a survival trait."
"Indeed. When did you want to schedule this meeting?"
"As soon as possible. Today, if they're available and willing. Tomorrow at the latest." Fury's tone suggested urgency that went beyond routine bureaucratic processing. "Charles, if this kid is everything you've described, he represents capabilities that could tip the balance in conflicts involving enhanced individuals, extraterrestrial threats, or any number of scenarios that keep me awake at night planning contingency responses."
"You want to recruit him," Xavier said, his voice carrying a note of protective concern that suggested he was already calculating the psychological impact of government attention on someone who'd spent years being manipulated by adults with agenda.
"I want to understand him," Fury corrected with precision that suggested important distinctions were being made. "Recruitment would be premature until we know more about his goals, his psychological profile, and whether his moral framework is compatible with S.H.I.E.L.D.'s mission parameters. But if he's looking for ways to use his abilities in service of protecting innocent people, we might have common interests that could benefit everyone involved."
Xavier was quiet for a moment, considering implications that extended beyond simple documentation assistance. "I'll discuss it with both of them and let you know their response. Though I should mention that Harry is currently adjusting to this reality through academic tutoring, social integration at the school, and what appears to be a developing relationship with one of our students. His priorities at the moment seem focused on building a normal life rather than seeking opportunities for additional conflict resolution."
"Understood. And Charles? I appreciate you bringing this to me directly instead of trying to handle it internally. Situations like this can become complicated very quickly if they're not properly managed from the beginning."
"Professional courtesy," Xavier replied with warm formality. "You've been helpful with unusual situations in the past, and I trust your judgment about when federal involvement is necessary versus when it creates more problems than it solves."
"I'll have preliminary documentation ready within forty-eight hours," Fury said, shifting back into operational mode. "Basic identity packages that will allow them to function while we work on comprehensive backgrounds. And Charles? Keep me informed if their circumstances change or if they demonstrate any new abilities that might affect our threat assessments."
"Of course. And Nick? Thank you. This assistance means more than I can adequately express."
"Don't mention it. Literally—this conversation never happened, and if anyone asks how two interdimensional refugees acquired federal documentation, the answer involves lost records, administrative errors, and bureaucratic incompetence rather than classified assistance from individuals who officially don't exist."
The connection ended with the decisive finality that characterized all of Fury's communications, leaving Xavier alone with tactical considerations that were rapidly becoming more complex than simple immigration assistance.
Harry Potter and Sirius Black were about to become persons of interest to one of the most powerful intelligence organizations on the planet—an organization that specialized in enhanced individuals, cosmic-level threats, and situations that required solutions existing outside conventional legal frameworks.
The question now was whether that interest would prove beneficial or whether it represented the beginning of complications that would make their interdimensional displacement seem like a minor inconvenience by comparison.
Time to find out what Harry and Sirius thought about government attention from individuals whose job descriptions included phrases like "national security" and "enhanced asset management."
This was either going to go very smoothly or very badly.
In Xavier's experience, the distinction usually depended on factors that were impossible to predict until circumstances forced everyone to show their cards.