Summary: Loki only ever wanted to be loved by someone who would let him be himself. One day a man, unlike any other, came to Asgard and promised him just that. SLASH. Harry/Loki. Fourshot.
A/N: Sorry to everyone that has been waiting for me to update my other stories. I have held back from posting this before updating my other fics, but I feel that it will be quite some time before I get back to them :[ I think that I need to work on something that will not be an epic, novel length fiction before I go back to my other stories. Also I have been in an Avenger/Harry Potter phase for quite some time.
While I cannot promise exactly when I will be updating my other fictions, I can say that I have not abandoned them. However, this fic will be much easy for me to complete as I have decided to make it a fourshot.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and I do not own Loki, nor any of the other Avengers.
Chapter One: Seven
Loki was missing once again. His mother Frigga ran from room to room looking for her lost child, as guards and soldiers rushed passed her to stream into the streets of Asgard searching for the lost prince. Loki was only seven years old and while they were currently at peace that did not mean that someone may try to harm the youngest Odinson.
Thor knew he was in trouble. Loki had only run off because he and the other children had teased him about learning magic from the sorceress that worked in the castle. It was not his fault that his brother was so odd, even their father agreed that magic was something only women should learn. Men were supposed to be trained in the art of battle and magic had no place on the battlefield.
It was not long till the Allfather threw open the doors to his throne room with his son curled in his arms, shaking and cold. Odin was flanked by his queen and guard as they rushed in, quickly wrapping the child in warm clothes and lying with him by the fire. Loki opened his eyes and stiffened as he looked at his father's face. He struggled to rise, but the arms holding him tightened.
Pulling his son to his feet, Odin held tightly to the thin, shaking shoulders before berating his son on his foolishness. "You are a prince! It is expected of you to be strong and brave. Hiding in the rain is not the behavior of a true warrior or king! You should prove those who doubt you wrong, you foolish child."
Frigga made a motion to reach for her son only to freeze at the look Odin sent her over his shoulder. "To be a king, you must be strong in mind and body and not let others belittle you. And to ran off because you wished to learn the art of trickery? I do not know how many times I must tell you that magic is for women! You will stop these silly meetings and maybe those who laugh at you will cease. Grow up, Loki. You disappointed me tonight."
Standing swiftly the Allfather stepped around his queen and left the chamber, catching the eyes of his eldest son peaking through the crack of the door. He set his face in a harsh scowl and grabbed his son before he could run off. Despite the fact that Loki needed to grow a backbone, Thor also needed to just grow up.
Loki waited till his father left the antechamber, jumping when the heavy door slammed shut. Tears started to well up in his eyes, but they did not fall till his mother wrapped her arms around him. Sobs escaped his lips as she rocked him back and forth, whispering in his ear that she loved him and that his father loved him and they were just worried.
It was not till much later, when Loki was all tucked into bed, that Thor snuck into his room. Catching sight of his elder brother's crystal blue eyes glowing from the dying embers in his fire place, Loki turned on his side facing away from the boy that had hurt him greater then all the other children that taunted him. Feeling fingers touch his back softly, Loki curled tighter into himself.
"I'm sorry," whispered Thor. "Father told me that it was unbecoming of a prince to make jokes of others. I was not trying to hurt you, brother. I did not think you would be so… soft about it."
Glaring at nothing, Loki did not turn to face his brother. While Thor was nearly three years older then himself that did not mean that he was smarter. There were many times that Loki wondered if he was the true older brother.
Thor made an impatient sound and poked his brother in the side sharply causing a yelp to escape him.
Loki turned angrily toward his brother. "You knew it would hurt me, brother. I told you many times that it hurt me. You knew it would hurt me; do not say that you did not know."
Thor took a step away from Loki's bed and glared at his younger brother. "You should just forgive me! It is not my fault that you are a disappointment! That you cannot lift a sword and slay your enemies as well as me!"
"You have not slain any enemies, brother!"
For a moment, Thor looked hurt. His blue eyes became watery and his bottom lip trembled before a look of steal appeared on his face.
Turning sharply, Thor rushed to the door and spoke harshly, "At least I WILL slay my enemies while you will be playing magic tricks like the little girl you are!" Stepping into the hallway the only thing stopping him from slamming the door was the late hour.
Loki lay silently for nearly an hour before sliding out of his bed. Bare, tiny feet scampered to the window and nearly pressed his nose to the stained glass. Green eyes looked through the purple haze of the glass at the stars that were twinkling in the sky.
Closing his eyes tightly Loki wished for a friend, for someone to love him, and care for him. He wished for peace with his family and revenge at the same time. He wished for magic greater than any sword. But most of all he wished for someone to just let him be himself.
He let his wish consume him and felt his dark tresses fly swiftly around his head despite the lack of wind. Gooseflesh broke out along his arms and legs while the hair on the back of his neck stood on edge. As quickly as it began, it ended and Loki was left in silence.
Eventually he finally fell asleep and it was then that magic unlike any other made the air around the child grow heavy. Suddenly the dead embers of the fire burst into flames, casting a red glow around the room and the boy sleeping at the window and it would not be till the next day that Loki learned that his wish had been granted.
The next morning Loki met with his mother and brother in the antechamber before the dining hall. Ignoring his brother, Loki reached for his mother's hand and leaned against her legs tiredly. After waking in a sweltering heat from the fire that he did not remember lighting, it took several hours before he was able to doze off before being woken up by one of the servants to break his fast.
Hearing a snicker, Loki straightened and looked around his mother to glare at his brother. The boy seemed to be dressed more like a warrior then usual. He had his wooden sword sheathed at his hip and his shoulder length blonde hair pulled back into a high ponytail.
Feeling embarrassed by his simple green tunic and black slacks, Loki looked away from his brother and turned his face into the dress that seemed to be woven of the finest gold. For a moment he let his mother's scent was over him. She smelled of the most beautiful flowers on Asgard and the day after a night of rain. Grinning to himself he finally pulled away from her and faced to doors to the dining hall.
It was then that the doors opened and Loki saw a man standing besides his father's chair with eyes more starling green then his own.
The man was dressed in all black armor with a silver trimmed cloak. His hair was a mess of black curls and he stood nearly half a head shorter then the Allfather. Hands with long fingers were clasped before him. Rings of all sorts adorned nearly each finger, some gold and some silver, some with rubies, diamonds and emeralds while others were bare. It made him wonder what each ring meant.
Turning to look at his father, Loki's eyes widened as he noticed his father's fear and apprehension.
Spinning to look at his queen and his children, Odin glided down the steps toward his family, the mysterious green eyed man a few steps behind him. "Let me introduce you to my family, Lord Black. This is my queen Frigga, my eldest son Thor and my youngest Loki."
Bowing as each person was introduced, Lord Black finally stopped after being introduced to Loki. Suddenly he kneeled down before the dark haired child and grinned at the startled look on his face.
Pale green eyes studied the bright emerald eyes of the older man. Lord Black had a straight nose and high cheekbones. There was no stubble on his chin and he looked to be almost at his majority. He was thin with long fingers and smooth hands that showed his lack of skill at the sword. Yet his eyes told a story of harsh battles fought and of friends and family that were long gone.
Loki looked away as the man's grin grew wider as a blush blossomed across his cheeks. He stood proudly and turned to King Odin. His eyes held a mixture of amusement and anger before he bowed once more and took his leave.
Loki turned to follow the retreating figure of the mysterious man. His cloak billowed behind him and the sharp sound of his boots as he strode down the hallway seemed to echo in the absence of sound. Looking up at his father, Loki quickly bowed his head as his father looked down his nose at his youngest son.
"Thor, Loki go with Nanna right now and break your fast. I need to speak with your mother." And with that the servant waiting a few feet away from the royal family rushed forward, grabbing both boys' hands in a firm grasp and leading them further into the dining hall.
As they were being dragged away, Loki heard his mother ask, "Who was that man?"
To which his father replied, "An immortal. And one who wishes to have our son."
It was later that night while getting ready for slumber that his mother slipped into his room. Her hair was down in waves of golden curls and her starling blue eyes were filled with tears.
"Mother?" Loki asked softly.
Shaking her head, Frigga knelt before her son. Slowly running her hands through his black locks, she stared into his wide eyes before kissing him gently on his forehead. "I am okay, my son. There have been many things that have changed since this morn."
"Lord Black?"
Grimacing, Frigga nodded. "Yes, there have been many things that Lord Black has changed." She smoothed his hair back from his eyes before cupping his rosy cheeks. "He has decided that he will teach you the art of magic."
Loki looked down and away. "But father said I was not to learn magic anymore."
"Well Lord Black made it clear that he wanted you to master all of your magical abilities. He said that with magic as strong as yours you should be able to accomplish amazing feats."
"But what about my training to be a true warrior," asked Loki softly.
Frigga gave him a wavering smile. "Lord Potter has agreed for you to continue your lessons, but with his involvement."
"Why does he want to help me?"
She stood slowly and started making her way out of the room. Glancing over her shoulder she gave him a half-hearted grin. "He believes that you are special, my son. He wants to make sure that you grow into someone worthy."
Looking up at her, Loki asked, "Worthy of what?"
Stepping into the hallway her only answer to him was a soft, almost sad smile and a whispered goodnight.
The next day Loki and Lord Black talked about magic, and power and war. The day after that they talked about weapons and history. And so it continued for nearly a week until one day Loki decided to ask about the man that had taken him under his wings.
Walking through a garden near the east tower, Lord Black turned slightly to better look at his student. The seven year old twirled a fallen leaf between his fingers, refusing to look at the man. Grinning slightly, Lord Black responded, "I am many centuries old, child. I have traveled from world to world throughout all different times and finally I came here and found you."
Looking up at the man at last, Loki asked, "And why did you want to find me?"
Smiling, Lord Black answered, "I have spent most of my life doing things for others: fighting battles, leading armies, saving the good as well as the wicked. I came here with the intent of continuing that cycle and then I saw you in a window and felt your magic. I knew that it would be selfish of me to lay claim to you, but I have already given up so much of myself that I was unwilling to give you up too."
"How are you being selfish? You have been teaching me magic, something that I was not supposed to learn at all."
Lord Black's grin became slightly strained before disappearing all together. "What do you mean? I am not just teaching you magic."
Loki stopped playing with the leaf and turned to fully face the man, "Well I know you are attending my lessons with the sword, but is there more?"
Kneeling down Lord Black responded, "I have made a deal with the Allfather for your hand in marriage. On your eighteenth summer you will become mine in all senses of the word."
Suddenly feeling quite cold, Loki did not feel the leaf slip from his fingers and glide gently down to the dew covered grass. He broke from his thoughts as cold fingers brushed his cheek softly.
Blushing furiously, Loki turned and ran.
He weaved between the trees blocking his path and jumped over rocks and patches of plants that ended up under his foot. Finally breaking free from the gardens, he ran past the guards and people wandering around the castle grounds before running into the east tower. Loki was certain that Lord Black was not following him, but he did not stop running until he found an empty room to lock himself in.
Breathing heavily, Loki slid down the wooden door before curling his arms around his legs and resting his head on his knees. He did not let any tears fall because there was none. He felt hollow.
His family was going to give him away. They did not want him and they did not even tell him. They just let a man come and take away the only thing that Loki was certain was his to give. Thor would be expected to marry and if he is not wed by the time their father was ready to go into odinsleep then he would be forced into a marriage with a woman their father would pick.
It was the curse of being the first born son and Loki was always thankful that he would be able to marry for love or never marry at all. It was a type of freedom that he did not understand quite well yet, but all of his teachers had said that he was lucky to not have to give up his heart for his country.
And now he was giving up his heart for what? The protection of Asgard by one man?
Suddenly the flames of the fire grew startlingly high and Lord Black stepped through the fire and stood before the child.
Standing suddenly, Loki turned quickly in order to unlatch the lock before a hand stopped him. Jumping back to get some distance between them, Loki looked away from the bright green eyes that seemed to see into his very soul.
Fingers grabbed his chin and forced his head to turn and face the man kneeling in front of him. Startled pale green eyes opened slowly and Loki resigned to have the conversation that Lord Black seemed set on having.
"Did your parents not tell you, child?" he asked.
Loki merely shook his head.
"I am sorry then that you found out from me. I did not mean to frighten you enough that you felt like you had to run from me."
Loki finally spoke, "What did they promise you in order to take me?"
Lord Black let out a sigh. "They did not promise me anything. I promised them a millennium of peace for Asgard."
"How can you promise that?"
"Well I would have taken Asgard for my own before I let you slip away. And with me here no force in all of the worlds will dare try to bring Asgard to war."
Loki was not sure if his blush could get any brighter. "Why me?" he whispered.
Smirking, Lord Black responded, "Like I told you, my little prince, your magic called to me."
Loki did not know what to say.
"Your magic will grow and thrive under my care. We have many years before I will claim you as mine and perhaps that is why your parents did not say anything. We have time to become friends as well as student and master before anything else." Lord Black stood suddenly and offered a low bow to the boy. "We were destined to meet, child."
For a moment Loki let the words was over him before replying, "My father told me that all of history and all of the future is carved from the hands of destiny. Were we prophesied to meet? Is this supposed to be my only destiny?"
"No, child."
Looking up at Lord Black, the young prince let his eyes answer the question.
"You will carve your own destiny even if we were prophesied to be together," answered Lord Black.
"But if we are destined to be together then I have no free will and cannot stray from the path you have set me on," Loki nearly yelled.
Pulling the child closer to him, Lord Black stared into his eyes. "Try to understand what I will tell you. It is a concept that few people can grasp."
"Tell me then."
"Prophecy and free will exist in tension. They exist in opposition. Yet, they interact. Prophecy is magic, and all magic needs balance. The balance to prophecy, the balance that allows prophecies to exist, is free will."
"That makes no sense. They would cancel each other out," said Loki.
"Ah, but they do not," replied Lord Black with a knowing smile. "They are interdependent and yet they are antithetical. Just as Dark Arts and Light Magic are opposite forces, they still exist. They each serve to balance the other. Creation and destruction, life and death. Magic must have balance to function and prophecy functions by the presence of its counter: free will."
"So you could have ignored me."
"And yet I used my freewill to make sure that you will never be ignored again, least of all by me."
For a moment, Loki felt the spark of happiness at that statement. To be never looked over or forgotten was a powerful wish. A finger, adorned with a black stone, lifted his chin.
"Do you understand, my prince?"
Loki nodded, "Yes, Lord Black."
Grinning fiercely the man nodded. "And please, child. Call me Harry because that was once my name long ago."
Fiddling with a loose thread, Loki asked softly, "What do you mean?"
Lord Black grinned and held out a hand. "Come, let us go back to the gardens and I will tell you any and everything that you may wish to know about me."
Looking up at the emerald eyes, Loki finally nodded and slipped his small hand into the man that in one day had changed everything he had ever planned for the future and himself.
I assume that I will be updating this fic in the next couple weeks. Review and maybe it will be faster! :P