Chapter 1: The Boys Who Lived

So . . . I had this idea for a story despite how I promised myself I wouldn't be starting any new stories right now. So I compromised with myself and decided to post this chapter here as a one-shot. Given some time (and if anyone's actually interested in it) this might grow.

This is a Harry Potter and Ultimate Spider-Man AU cross-over. Basically, it's a retelling of the Harry Potter books where I replace 99% of the main characters with Marvel characters. Sometimes they will retain their Wizarding World personality, other times they'll act more Marvel-ish, and still other times they'll be influenced by both versions. I'll be changing their first names and physical appearance so you know who's who. A full list will also be at the end.


Privet Drive was a quiet street. By day, one could see numerous lovely gardens and children playing out in the yards. By night, one could see fireflies and old men in long robes and equally long beards.

Perhaps the last was not the most common sight of Privet Drive, but it was the sight tonight, October 31st, 1981.

Steve Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore popped into existence on the dark street. His robes of star-spangled blue twirled briefly in the soft breeze. He stood for a moment, surveying the area with curiosity, before plunging one hand into the depths of his robe and pulling out what appeared to be a lighter. When he began to click it, however, it quickly became apparent that it was a Put-Outer and not a cheap Muggle fire-starter.

One by one, the street lamps flickered off until the only light left on Privet Drive were the porch lights.

Now enshrouded in darkness, Dumbledore smiled at a bush. "Fancy meeting you here, Professor McGonagall."

An orange tabby jumped out of the foliage, transforming into a tall and deadly looking woman in all black robes. She sauntered towards him as smoothly and silently as if she were still a feline. "Steve," she said briskly with a prim Scottish accent. "I hope you understand, I needed to check if the rumors are true."

"What rumors would they be, my dear?"

"That Voldemort is dead."

Dumbledore's head inclined just enough to be considered a nod. McGonagall gave a small gasp.

"Is it also true," she continued. "That he was done in by a child, no less?"

"Indeed."

McGonagall laughed out loud at that, a delighted and somewhat mocking sound. "Please tell me you know how this happened!"

Dumbledore shrugged. "I have my suspicions. It may largely have something to do with the sacrifice of the boy's parents."

McGonagall's laughter died in her throat. "The boy's—you mean, the Potters—they're—"

Another slight nod from the old man.

"Oh, Steve, I had no idea! Everyone has just been celebrating, and—Oh, that poor boy! He's only, what, a year old now?" McGonagall took a breath, pushing her red hair out of her face. "Are the other rumors true then? The ones about the Parkers and the Longbottoms?"

"I'm afraid so, Natasha." Dumbledore sighed gravely. "The Peter and Daniel are also orphaned by Voldemort's hand."

McGonagall clenched her fists. "What will come of the children?"

"Augusta will be taking in her grandson. As for the other two, they should be here any moment."

"Here? In this . . ." McGonagall eyed the desolate street, "quaint, muggle town?"

"It will be best for them. The Parker's family is here. They are muggles, yes, but they will protect the boys."

"If you say so," McGonagall sniffed.

"I do say so. The May and Ben Dursley are a kind couple. They, the Parkers, and the Potters were all great friends. They will be able to explain everything to the boys when the time comes. I've written them a letter."

McGonagall raised an eyebrow at him. "A letter, Steve? Really? You think a letter is going to make this all make sense?"

"It is a very nicely worded letter."

"Luke Potter is going to be the most famous young wizard of this century! And all you did was write a 'nicely worded' letter?"

"It will be enough, Natasha. Believe me. Besides, it will be best for both boys to grow up without fame hanging over their heads. Seeking glory at a young age is dangerous enough, but already having it?" Something dark passed over Dumbledore's twinkling eyes. "This will be best."

"All right, and how are they getting here? I don't suppose you brought them?" McGonagall asked sarcastically, though eyeing his cloak appraisingly.

"No, not at all. Hagrid's bringing them."

"You think it wise to trust him with something like this?"

"I would trust Hagrid with my life."

"Yes, he's just fine at smashing, but for transporting children I—what's that?"

Her head turned when a low thrumming could be heard from overhead. Within seconds, an abnormally large motorcycle was falling from the sky, coming to a stop nearby. Its equally large rider dismounted, cradling two bundles that looked extra small in his huge, green hands.

"I've got 'em, Professor Dumbledore, sir."

"Ah, thank you, Bruce. Is that Tony's bike?"

"That it is. Gave it ta me the moment I said I needed a ride. Good man, that Black."

"Indeed. And how are the boys?"

"Safe 'n sound and fast asleep, sir. I pulled 'em from the rubble, and I feared the worst. Both houses were mostly destroyed! But the boys are fine." Hagrid approached, offering the bundles to Dumbledore and McGonagall. The witch and wizard accepted them. McGonagall held hers carefully, slightly wary from her lack of experience with such things. She pushed back the folds of the blanket to reveal the pink face of a healthy baby boy, brown hair peeking out around the top of his head. Then she looked at Dumbledore's bundle. His blanket also hid a baby. This boy's cheeks were dark and delightfully round like a baby doll. The only thing that marred his adorable little face was a bright red scar on his forehead.

McGonagall gave a sharp intake of breath. "Is that where—?"

"Yes," Dumbledore replied solemnly. "That scar will likely stay with him for life. Even if I could remove it, I wouldn't. Scars can be useful. I have one myself above my left knee that—"

"Yes, Steve, we've all heard the story," McGonagall said tersely. "But isn't this odd? The boy not only survived the Killing Curse, but he gained a mark from the one curse that is supposed to leave the body unblemished?"

"Many mysteries have begun on this day, Natasha. We will unravel them in time." Dumbledore began walking towards the nearest house. Number four. McGonagall and Hagrid followed. The bundles were placed on the doorstep.

"Yer just gonna leave 'em there, sir?" Hagrid asked, surprised.

"I daresay the Dursleys will be up in a few minutes," Dumbledore said with the air of a person who knew it for a fact. McGonagall relaxed knowing that the boys would be cared for soon.

They both approached the front door of house number four, carefully placing the boys on the porch. Dumbledore laid his promised letter in between them. McGonagall took one last look at the small, peaceful faces before turning on her heel and going back down the garden path. But Hagrid was blocking the way. He stood there, large lips quivering.

"Hagrid, what's wro—?"

Hagrid let out a great howl like a wounded dog.

"Shhh!" McGonagall hissed at him. "You'll wake the Muggles!"

"It—It's just so sad! T—three boys orphaned in o—one night!"

"Yes, yes, it's all very sad, but do get a grip on yourself, Hagrid, or we'll be found!"

Dumbledore came up to them, reaching up to pat Hagrid gently on the arm. "They'll be fine. Now that we have done our part tonight, let us focus on the good that has come today. I daresay there are countless celebrations starting throughout all of magical Britain."

"Right you are, sir. I'll—I'll just take Tony's bike back now. I promised ta bring it back in one piece. G'night Professor McGonagall, Professor Dumbledore." Wiping his streaming eyes on his jacket sleeve, Hagrid swung himself onto the motorcycle and kicked the engine into life. With a roar it rose into the air and off into the night. Dumbledore and McGonagall watched it recede for a few moments before he turned to her.

"I shall see you soon, I expect, Natasha."

"Of course you will. I haven't quit the job yet."

"A brave commitment, proof of a Gryffindor if I ever saw one."

McGonagall rolled her eyes, although her gaze flickered back to the front door of number four. She nodded curtly at Dumbledore before turning on her heel and vanishing with a pop.

Dumbledore pulled out his Put-Outer again. This time, its click reintroduced light to the quiet street. He too looked back at the boys.

"Good luck, Luke, Peter," he murmured. The fact that they would need such luck went unsaid.

And Dumbledore turned and vanished, and all of Privet Drive was left silent and empty, the very last place you would expect astonishing things to happen. Luke Potter rolled over inside his blankets without waking up. Peter Parker yawned. And they both slept, not knowing they were special, not knowing they were famous, not knowing they would be woken in a few hours' time by Mrs. Dursley's fussing when she learned of their presence as she put out the milk bottles. They couldn't know that, at this very moment, people meeting in secret all over the country were holding up their glasses and saying in triumphant voices: "To Luke Potter, and the boys who lived!"


Characters:

Albus Dumbledore - Steve Rogers (Captain America)

Minerva McGonagall - Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow)

Rubeus Hagrid - Bruce Banner (Hulk)

Vernon and Petunia Dursley - Ben and May Parker

Sirius Black - Tony Stark (Iron Man)

Neville Longbottom - Danny Rand (Iron Fist)

Harry Potter - Luke Cage (Power Man)

Dudley Dursley? - Peter Parker (Spider-Man)*

*Casting May and Ben as the Dursleys kind of destroys any chance of a kid as awful as Dudley ever existing. So they'll still be taking care of two kids, but they're Luke and Peter who aren't bullies.

Additionally, if anyone is curious, the other Ultimates will be:

Ron Weasley - Sam Alexander (Nova)

Hermione Granger - Ava Ayala (White Tiger)