Ah, now that was a delightful way to start off the new year. I loved the flashback and the embarassment for Stephen Strange to have to admit that must have been considerable; OTOH, Stephen, unlike - it seems - most British wizards, esp. including Dumbledore, has no problem admitting that he's less than perfect and/or omiscient.
I do wonder how the Ministry and British Wizarding Society is going to react to who came to aid Harry's recovery. I daresay that more than a few folk are going to want to pick Wanda's brains for more about Chaos Magic since Harry's clearly demonstrated that it's real and powerful. OTOH, whatever Agatha did to so thoroughly annoy them, esp. considering her power, should be interesting; as will how that colors how they view Harry Stark. 'Twould be interesting to see the Ministry try and take her, esp. if Wanda's with her (where do I send the flowers for the aurors who try?).
I rather imagine that both Padma and Hermione have had their interest in Harry considerably increased since he -clearly- knows more than he's shown.
I did like the bit about Dumbledore knowing about Tom being in Quirrel and thinking he had him under control; I doubt this event will teach him any humility, though, he still seems filled with hubris.
I did love the fact that Agatha was a Hufflepuff; if/when that little fact gets out, they just might get a bit more respect.
I can see friendships forming here, in a few cases very strong and lasting ones, but I can't see many lsating romantic ones forming; I know very few who married their high-school sweethearts (I -do- know some and they're still together decades later, but it's not the norm), but I can see friendships formed that could further develop along those lines. Besides, Harry, unlike 'most every other student there, is active in a far larger society than just British Wizarding Society, and he's able to meet a far greater number of gals who'd be potential suitable romantic interests; to expect something definite to form at Hogwarts is unrealistic, not impossible but not what I'd call a high probability.
Good work!! I can't wait to see the reaction to Tony's visit, esp. if he "sends" Iron Man to check things out, first. :D
Author's response
- Actually, that scene didn't come out as clearly as I intended. Stephen could have smashed the shield on a whim, but that would have pureed Harry, which wasn't really the plan. It was his none destructive method that didn't work...
- Neither Wanda nor Agatha are going to be accosted by the Ministry (this time), though Wanda is going to be... interviewed about Chaos Magic.
- A discussion of Harry's apparent power levels will happen at the next Staff Meeting... also what he did to the castle.
- as far as Hermione and Padma are concerned, Harry, much like Lucy, has some splain'in to do.
- Agatha is going to take breakfast with the 'puffs. And do a demonstration or two.