Harry stood at his penthouse window, watching the street below through enhanced vision. A black SUV had been parked across from his building for three hours. The same SUV that had been there yesterday. And the day before.
SHIELD, as he had discovered, was watching him. Or rather, they were watching everyone who lived in buildings that had clear sightlines to the docks. Their net was wide, their methods predictable, and their surveillance obvious to anyone who knew what to look for.
He found their efforts almost charming.
"Still there," he murmured to himself, noting the subtle antenna modifications on the vehicle's roof. Government surveillance equipment, designed to monitor electronic communications and detect unusual energy signatures.
They had no idea they were looking for a wizard.
Harry walked back to his command center. The screens showed police scanners, news feeds, and traffic cameras across the city. He'd been monitoring SHIELD's activities for five days now, ever since Agent Coulson had started his investigation.
They were thorough. Credit where credit was due. Teams of agents had interviewed hundreds of people. They'd analyzed every surveillance camera within ten blocks of the pier. They'd brought in specialists from various government agencies to examine the energy readings he'd left behind.
All of it useless, of course. Magic didn't leave traces that their instruments could properly identify. But their dedication was impressive.
His laptop chimed with a new intercepted communication. SHIELD used encrypted channels, but the Elder Wand made electronic locks suggestions rather than barriers. Harry had been listening to their operational chatter since day two.
"Delta team reporting in," Agent Morrison's voice came through the speakers. "No contacts at location seven. Moving to location eight."
Harry pulled up a map of Manhattan. Location eight was an office building six blocks north. They were systematically checking every building that might have housed their mystery sniper. The search pattern was logical, but it would take them months to cover the entire area.
He was considering making coffee when another communication caught his attention.
"Agent Coulson to base. I need authorization for enhanced surveillance on the financial district. Our target profile suggests someone with significant resources."
Interesting. They'd figured out that whoever helped them had money. Harry's penthouse wasn't cheap, and the equipment he'd been using to monitor the city required serious investment. SHIELD was connecting dots, even if they didn't know what picture they were drawing.
His phone buzzed with a text from his building's concierge. "Mr. Potter, there are two gentlemen here asking about residents who moved in recently. Should I give them your information?"
Harry typed back quickly. "Tell them I'm traveling for business. Won't be back for two weeks."
The concierge replied immediately. "Understood, sir."
SHIELD would check his story, of course. They'd discover that Harry Potter was supposedly a British consultant who'd made his fortune in technology investments. His travel records would show trips to various cities, all carefully manufactured through magical manipulation of airline databases.
Let them chase shadows.
Harry turned his attention back to the city monitors. SHIELD wasn't the only organization operating in New York. Over the past week, he'd identified at least three other groups running surveillance operations. Government agencies, corporate security, and something else that didn't fit either category.
The third group was the most interesting. Their vehicles were unmarked, their communications were encrypted beyond SHIELD's level, and their operational patterns suggested they were watching SHIELD as much as anyone else.
Someone was spying on the spies.
Harry had encountered this dynamic before. During the war, the Ministry of Magic had been infiltrated by Death Eaters working from within. Organizations could be corrupted, turned against their original purpose. SHIELD might be facing the same problem.
He pulled up the files he'd been building on various New York criminal organizations. Enhanced individuals, advanced technology, coordinated attacks. The patterns suggested something larger than random crime. Someone was organizing enhanced criminals, equipping them with weapons that shouldn't exist, and using them for purposes that weren't immediately clear.
SHIELD was investigating the symptoms. Harry was more interested in the disease.
His magical senses had been picking up traces of something wrong in the city. Not dark magic, exactly, but something that felt deliberately hidden. Energy signatures that were masked, communications that were shielded, activities that were carefully concealed from official attention.
Whatever was happening, it involved people who understood how to stay invisible.
Time to test SHIELD's capabilities.
Harry opened a secure connection to the city's surveillance network. Traffic cameras, security systems, and police databases. He began searching for patterns that SHIELD might have missed.
Enhanced individuals didn't appear out of nowhere. They had histories, connections, and in this world of tech supremacy, financial records. Someone was recruiting them, training them, and equipping them. That someone would have left traces if you knew where to look.
He started with the three criminals from the pier. Their names were in the police reports: Marcus Chen, enhanced strength and metallic skin transformation. Sean Volkov, superhuman speed and reflexes. David Kim, energy projection and manipulation.
None of them had criminal records before six months ago. All three had been reported missing by family members around the same time. All three had substantial debts that had been mysteriously paid off shortly before they disappeared.
Someone had been shopping for desperate people.
Harry dug deeper into their financial records. The debt payments had come from shell companies that existed only on paper. The shell companies were owned by other shell companies, creating a maze of false ownership that would take normal investigators months to unravel.
But Harry wasn't a normal investigator.
He followed the trail through dozens of fake corporations, using his immense patience to slice through digital deceptions. The money trail led through banks in six different countries before ending at a financial institution in Switzerland that specialized in anonymous transactions.
Dead end. Whoever was funding enhanced criminal recruitment knew how to hide their money.
But money wasn't the only trail to follow.
Harry pulled up cellular communication records for the three days before the pier incident. Enhanced individuals still used phones. Someone still needed to coordinate their activities.
There. A series of encrypted text messages sent to all three criminals' phones from the same number. The messages were short, cryptic, but clearly operational instructions.
"Package ready for pickup. Location seven. Midnight."
"Asset deployment scheduled. Confirm receipt."
"Operation green light. Target acquired."
The phone number was registered to another shell company, but the cellular towers that had carried the signals created a geographic pattern. Someone was coordinating criminal activities from a specific area of the city.
Harry zoomed in on the map. Lower Manhattan. Financial district. The same area where SHIELD was planning enhanced surveillance.
Interesting coincidence.
He spent the next four hours tracing communication patterns. The encrypted messages weren't random. They followed a schedule, always sent from the same general location, and always using the same coded language.
Whoever was running this operation was careful, but they were also predictable.
Harry found seventeen more phone numbers that had received similar messages over the past month. He cross-referenced them with missing persons reports, unexplained debt payments, and police incident reports involving enhanced individuals.
Every single one matched.
Someone was running an enhanced individual recruitment and deployment network. They were targeting people with financial problems, making them disappear, and turning them into weapons.
The operation was sophisticated, well-funded, and completely invisible to official law enforcement.
Until now.
Harry leaned back in his chair and considered his options. He could continue watching, gathering intelligence, and building a complete picture of the network. Safe, smart, and thorough.
Or he could test SHIELD's capabilities by giving them information they couldn't have obtained through normal channels.
The second option was more dangerous. It would reveal that someone was monitoring their operations, possibly someone with access to classified information. But it would also show him how SHIELD responded to unexpected intelligence.
And it might help him identify who was really running the enhanced criminal network.
He thought it through, and finally, he made his decision.
He opened a secure communication channel and began typing an encrypted message. SHIELD would receive it through their normal intelligence channels, but the source would be completely untraceable.
"Priority intelligence regarding enhanced criminal network. Three criminals neutralized at Pier 47 were part of larger organization. Network operates from financial district, coordinates through encrypted cellular communications. Recruitment targets individuals with significant debt, payment made through Swiss financial institutions. Seventeen additional assets currently operational in New York area."
He paused, considering how much detail to include. Too little, and SHIELD might dismiss the information as unreliable. Too much, and they might figure out how the intelligence was obtained.
"Network leadership unknown but follows predictable operational patterns. Communication sent every Tuesday and Friday, 2100 hours, from cellular towers in lower Manhattan grid reference 847-A through 851-C. Suggest monitoring cellular traffic during those windows."
Harry attached the financial records he'd traced, the communication logs, and the cellular tower data. Enough information to make the tip actionable, but not enough to reveal his methods.
He needed a signature. Something that would identify him as a reliable source without revealing his identity.
"Source designation: The Consultant."
Harry sent the message through SHIELD's intelligence network and sat back to wait. He'd given them everything they needed to identify and disrupt the enhanced criminal network. Now he would see how quickly they could act on the information.
His coffee had gone cold while he worked. Harry got up to make a fresh cup, noting that the surveillance team outside his building had changed shifts. A new black SUV had replaced the old one, but the operational pattern remained the same.
Still watching. Still clueless.
The coffee maker was just finishing when his laptop chimed with intercepted SHIELD communications.
"Priority intelligence received through secure channels," Agent Coulson's voice came through the speakers. "Possible enhanced criminal network operating from financial district. Requesting immediate analysis."
"What's the source?" another voice asked.
"Unknown. Intelligence was transmitted through our normal channels, but the origin point is untraceable. Whoever sent this has access to information we don't."
"Could be a trap."
"Could be. But the data looks legitimate. Financial records, communication logs, cellular tower triangulation. This isn't random intelligence. Someone did serious research."
Harry smiled. SHIELD was taking the bait.
"I want a full analysis of this intelligence within two hours," Coulson continued. "Cross-reference with all current operations. If this information is accurate, we need to move fast."
"What about the source? Someone calling themselves 'The Consultant'?"
"New player. Add it to our list of unknown assets. For now, we treat the intelligence as potentially reliable but verify everything independently."
"Understood."
The communication ended. Harry pulled up SHIELD's operational frequencies and settled in to monitor their response.
Within an hour, they had teams mobilizing. The financial records were verified through independent channels. The communication logs were cross-referenced with cellular provider databases. The cellular tower data was confirmed through technical analysis.
Everything checked out.
By evening, SHIELD had identified the building where the network's communications were originating. Surveillance teams were in position. Electronic monitoring equipment was deployed.
They were ready to move.
Harry watched the operation unfold through traffic cameras and police scanners. Three black SUVs approached the target building from different directions. Teams of agents took positions around all exits.
"This is Coulson. We're in position. Beginning electronic surveillance sweep."
Harry enhanced his hearing and focused on the target building. He could sense the presence of multiple individuals inside, their emotions running high with stress and suspicion. Enhanced individuals, probably the same ones who had been receiving the encrypted messages.
But there was something else. A presence that felt familiar, though he couldn't immediately identify why.
"Contact," Coulson's voice crackled through the comm. "We have visual confirmation of enhanced individuals in the building. Count is seven, possibly eight."
"Any sign of network leadership?"
"Negative. But there's something else. Energy readings are spiking. These individuals have been enhanced beyond normal parameters."
Harry frowned. Enhanced beyond normal parameters? That suggested someone was artificially augmenting their abilities, not just recruiting people with natural talents.
"Sir, we're detecting communication equipment that doesn't match known technology. Advanced encryption, energy signature that doesn't fit our database."
"Proceed with caution. We don't know what we're dealing with."
The feeling of familiarity was getting stronger. Harry concentrated, trying to identify what was triggering his magical senses.
Then he felt it. A presence that was cold, calculating, and deliberately hidden. Not enhanced individuals or advanced technology.
Magic. Dark magic.
Someone inside that building was a wizard, and they were using magic to augment the enhanced criminals' abilities.
Harry stood up from his desk. This changed everything. He wasn't the only magical individual in this world. Someone else was here, someone who was using magic for criminal purposes.
"Breach in thirty seconds," Coulson announced.
Harry watched through enhanced vision as SHIELD agents prepared to enter the building. They had no idea what they were walking into. Enhanced individuals were dangerous enough. Enhanced individuals who had been magically augmented were something else entirely.
He grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. SHIELD was about to walk into a trap, and they didn't know it.
But Harry did.
Once again, it was time to get involved directly.
xXx
In SHIELD's mobile command center, Agent Phil Coulson studied the tactical display with growing concern. The intelligence from "The Consultant" had been completely accurate. Financial records, communication patterns, cellular tower data. Everything had checked out perfectly.
Too perfectly.
"Sir," Agent Morrison's voice came through the comm. "We have a problem. Energy readings are spiking beyond normal enhanced individual parameters. Whatever's in this building, it's not just superhuman abilities."
Coulson looked at the electromagnetic readings on his screen. The patterns were similar to what they'd detected at the pier, but stronger. More complex.
"Could be the same individual who intervened at the docks," Dr. Selvig's voice came through the secure channel. "Energy signatures are consistent with quantum manipulation technology."
"Or magic," Coulson muttered under his breath.
"Sir?"
"Nothing. Proceed with the breach, but maintain extreme caution. We don't know what we're dealing with."
Coulson's phone buzzed with a priority message. He opened it and frowned at the sender identification.
The Consultant.
"SHIELD teams are walking into enhanced opposition. Individuals inside building have been artificially augmented beyond normal parameters. Suggest withdrawal until better intelligence is available."
Coulson stared at the message. The Consultant was monitoring their operation in real time. Someone was watching SHIELD's tactical response and providing warnings. It was both baffling and concerning.
"Agent Morrison, abort the breach. Repeat, abort the breach."
"Sir? We're in position."
"New intelligence suggests the opposition is more dangerous than anticipated. Pull back to observation distance."
"Understood. Teams are withdrawing."
Coulson opened a secure line to headquarters. "This is Coulson. We have a situation. Our unknown intelligence source is monitoring our operations in real time."
"Confirmed?"
"Just received a warning about enhanced opposition thirty seconds before our breach. Someone is watching us, and they have access to information we don't."
"Stand by."
Coulson waited, watching his agents withdraw from the target building. The energy readings were stabilizing, but the patterns remained unlike anything in SHIELD's database.
"Coulson, this is Fury. What's your assessment?"
"We have a new player with capabilities that exceed our understanding. They provided intelligence that led us to a major enhanced criminal network. Now they're providing tactical warnings to protect our agents."
"Friend or foe?"
"Unknown. But they just prevented us from walking into what might have been a trap."
Fury was quiet for a moment. "Continue surveillance. I want to know everything about this 'Consultant.' And Coulson?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Be ready for anything. If someone is watching our operations and has access to this level of intelligence, we need to know who they are and what they want."
Coulson ended the call and looked at the tactical display. Seven enhanced criminals were in that building, artificially augmented beyond normal parameters. SHIELD had the resources to deal with enhanced individuals, but whatever was in there was something else.
His phone buzzed with another message from The Consultant.
"Suggest monitoring electromagnetic frequencies 847.2 and 851.7 MHz. Enhanced individuals are receiving coordination instructions through non-standard communication channels. Jamming those frequencies will disrupt their tactical coordination."
Coulson immediately contacted his technical team. "Jam electromagnetic frequencies 847.2 and 851.7 MHz immediately."
"Sir, those frequencies aren't assigned to any known communication systems."
"Do it anyway."
Within minutes, the energy readings from the target building began to fluctuate. Whatever was coordinating the enhanced individuals inside was being disrupted.
"This is Morrison. Energy readings are destabilizing. Enhanced individuals appear to be losing coordination."
Coulson's phone buzzed again.
"Enhanced individual capabilities are being artificially maintained through external coordination. Jamming those frequencies will reduce their effectiveness by approximately sixty percent. Breach is now tactically viable."
The Consultant wasn't just monitoring SHIELD's operations. They were providing tactical support in real time.
"All teams, prepare for breach. Enhanced opposition capabilities have been reduced. Proceed with extreme caution."
"Yes, sir."
xXx
The operation was successful. Seven enhanced criminals were captured with minimal casualties. The network's communication equipment was seized. Financial records were recovered that would lead to additional arrests.
It was SHIELD's most successful enhanced individual operation to date.
And they'd been guided through it by someone they couldn't identify.
Later that evening, Coulson sat in his office reviewing the operation reports. The Consultant's intelligence had been perfect. Every detail accurate, every prediction correct.
Someone knew more about enhanced criminal networks than SHIELD did. Someone had access to intelligence that should have been impossible to obtain.
Someone who called themselves The Consultant was playing a game, and SHIELD was just now realizing they were on the board.
Coulson's phone rang. Director Fury's number.
"Coulson."
"The Consultant's intelligence panned out perfectly. Seven major arrests, network disrupted, equipment seized. This is the biggest enhanced individual bust we've had."
"Yes, sir."
"But I don't like mysteries, Phil. Someone provided us with intelligence that was too good to be natural. Someone guided us through a tactical operation they couldn't have known about in advance."
Coulson stared at the files on his desk. "What are your orders, sir?"
"Find out who The Consultant is. Find out how they got that intelligence. Find out what they want."
"And if they continue to help us?"
Fury was quiet for a moment. "That might be the most dangerous possibility of all. Someone who knows our protocols, our capabilities, our operational patterns. Someone who can provide perfect intelligence and tactical support."
"Sir?"
"This man knows our protocols, Phil. He knows how we operate, how we think, how we respond to threats. I want to know how."
Coulson understood. The Consultant wasn't just an unknown asset. They were someone who understood SHIELD better than SHIELD understood themselves.
"I'll find him, sir."
"See that you do. And Phil? Be careful. Anyone who can do what The Consultant just did is either our greatest ally or our most dangerous enemy."
"Understood."
Coulson hung up and looked out his office window at the New York skyline. Somewhere in this city was someone with capabilities that exceeded SHIELD's understanding. Someone who was playing a game with rules that only they understood.
The hunt for The Consultant was about to begin.
And Phil Coulson had the feeling that whoever they were looking for was already several moves ahead.
To read more, visit the link on my profile. The username is KyleVirex everywhere, so that would help out too, I guess. Thanks!