"John..." Steve said thoughtfully. "He didn't do it."
"He was in Romania when the Vienna bombing happened."
"What difference does that make?" John said coolly. "He once nearly killed my parents. You know that."
He rested his hand on Lockhart and His One Hundred and One Magic. "And my sister. Natasha has a gunshot scar on her stomach. Remember?"
"He did that. Your friend was nearly killed by your other friend."
John's lips curled into a deeply mocking smile. "How laughable."
"You hate him, but I hope you can uncover the truth." Steve drew a deep breath. "Bucky was being controlled back then."
"I have the ability, but no reason to use it." John stood up and said casually, "Don't call me selfish, Captain America."
"You're no different."
"I'm not..."
"Would you forgive someone who tried to kill your family?"
John gave him no chance to continue. "Even if he was being controlled, he should still be punished, not have everything wiped clean," he said calmly.
"Don't let hatred sway your judgment, John," Steve said.
"Rogers." John set the book down. "We're not that close."
He walked up to Steve and stopped, staring into his eyes. "Still, I need to thank you for standing up for Wanda. That's why I'm here."
"Being a hero means enduring criticism." John raised an eyebrow. "Those accusations don't feel good, do they?"
"You want to protect the world, but they'd rather have you be a sword."
He brushed past Steve and headed elsewhere.
Tony waited until they finished talking and John came out.
"I didn't expect him to be here either." Tony walked in, carrying a pen case with understated, luxurious packaging. "Wanda said Minister Weasley is his friend."
"Getting angry for a friend is normal, isn't it?"
At that pointed remark, Steve sighed