Sorry this has taken so long to post. I have run out of pre-written chapters now, and real life has been a bit stressful. Hopefully things are a bit more on track now, and the plot bunnies are starting to nibble again. Thank you to you all for your continuing support.
We're into the countdown to Thor and Jane's wedding - something I've skipped over before. In this story we have brotherly bonding, a little Harry / Sif and Earth's Mightiest Heroes arriving in Asgard...
In which Harry is buckled up, Sif loosens up and Steve Rogers is cracking up!
Pomp and Circumstance - Part One:
For Harry the weeks in Asgard passed swiftly. From time to time it would occur to him that maybe he should think about returning to Earth, to "real" life, but the rhythm of the days sped past, riding out, sometimes with Hermione or Loki, sometimes in larger parties, practicing at the training grounds, archery lessons, helping Hermione and Lucilla set up their potions lab within the palace, or spending quiet times in the Great Library debating magical issues with Hermione and sometimes Loki. Here, on an alien planet, he finally felt a true sense of family that he had only ever known at the Weasleys'.
As the summer passed, the tempo of life within the palace started to pick up, with preparations for Thor and Jane's wedding, which would include Jane's formal coronation as Queen of Asgard. With almost a thousand guests attending, with every guest chamber – within and without the palace full to bursting, and every inn in the entire realm booked up Harry was pleasantly surprised when his offer to vacate his room was swiftly declined by both Thor and Frigga. He felt like a part of the family, he was firmly informed, and as such, his presence at the wedding was essential.
But if he was to attend such an important event, the vexed issues of the proper clothing needed to be addressed... Harry surveyed the complex arrangement of metal and leather laid out on his bed in utter bewilderment before turning to Loki who was leaning against the doorframe with a familiar smirk on his face, arms folded, legs crossed at the ankle.
"I don't suppose this comes with an instruction manual? I don't even know where to start – it looks like a nightmare logic puzzle."
Loki finally relented and took pity on him. "You don't need an instruction manual Harry, that's what you have me for. I've been wearing armour like this for the better part of a thousand years. Normally I would put it on magically, which is easier and infinitely quicker, but until we know whether or not it will fit you that might not be such a good idea."
Harry scowled suspiciously. "And you're certain that I have to wear this for Thor and Jane's wedding?"
Loki sighed patiently "You're attending the wedding of the King of Asgard and the Allfather of the Nine Realms Harry, and the coronation of Asgard's new Queen. It doesn't get any bigger than this. Barring a catastrophe, Thor and Jane will rule for three or four thousand years. This is a huge state occasion, so yes, full dress armour is de rigeur I'm afraid. Come on. It really isn't that bad, let me help you."
Almost an hour later, in which Loki had wrapped, strapped, buckled, adjusted, sworn and occasionally magically reshaped pieces, Harry surveyed himself in the mirror. The armour was a mixture of black leather and brushed silver and looked – "Wow" he murmured, wide eyes meeting Loki's "It looks amazing, but it feels so heavy."
"You will quickly become accustomed to it brother. You look like a true Asgardian." Loki's hand rested on his shoulder, green eyes warm. "Like one of the family." A flash of mischief lit his face. "I'm sure you'll impress the Lady Sif dressed like this."
Hot colour scorched Harry's face. "I know that you and she don't get on... Who am I kidding. She's never going to look at me twice, so it's all hypothetical anyway."
Loki's eyes were far away. "Sif and I spent far too many centuries holding tightly to grudges that we should have put behind us long ago. Things are different now, but there is so much bad blood and mistrust between us that I do not know that it can ever be truly mended." He turned back to Harry, reaching for the cloak – a deep red, in honour of Asgard's King, and attached it to Harry's shoulders. "But as I said to you before – the heart wants what the heart wants, and maybe Sif needs to learn to love again. Since..." he paused, uncertain of how much he ought to disclose
"...Since your brother" finished Harry for him. "Volstagg is a terrible gossip"
"Since my brother she has added more and more barriers to her heart. It's a shame"
Harry looked at him shrewdly. "You were in love with her once...?"
Loki smiled, shaking his head ruefully. "It was a trifling thing. I was very young – and very foolish... But that is a story for another day... We need to get you out of this, unless you are planning to be very overdressed for supper tonight."
ooo0ooo
Within the whirl of colour, stress and excitement which currently seemed to envelope the entire realm, Harry could not help but notice that one member of the household was holding herself aloof from the preparations. Sif took part in rehearsals when needed, and offered advice when asked, but it was clear to Harry that she was not happy, and he could not but help but watch her from afar with anxious eyes.
It was two days before the big day, and one day before he would be needed to help sheepdog the huge influx of dignitaries, who would be arriving both overland, and via the Bifrost (Harry didn't envy Heimdall the responsibility keeping track of who was coming in and when at all). Loki had been closeted with Thor, Dalan and a number of other advisors since dawn, and Hermione, Lucilla and Jane were all assisting Frigga with checking that all of the guest rooms were ready for tomorrow's arrivals. Servants were scurrying around the palace like a huge nest of ants, and down in the kitchens the head chef was threatening violence to all who displeased him. Feeling a little lost, Harry wandered aimlessly down to the stables, just in time to run into Sif, who was leading a black mare out of its stall, the mare was obviously fresh, and a little spooked by the levels of activity in the yard.
"Lady Sif" Harry took the mare's head for her, while she tightened the girth and pulled down the stirrups. As she took the reins back from him, he moved quietly around to boost her smoothly into the saddle.
Settling into the saddle, Sif looked down, noticing him for the first time. "Thank you – Harry"
Harry smiled, and rested a calming hand on the fidgeting mare's sleek neck. "I don't blame you. I was considering slipping away from the madness myself. Would you like some company?"
Sif bit the corner of her lip, and actually seemed to be considering his offer for a moment. "Thank you, but no... I need some time to myself I think."
Harry stepped back, still smiling. "I know I don't need to tell you to be careful. I know of no-one more capable of protecting herself than you. Enjoy your ride – Sif"
His eyes met hers for a moment, before she kicked her mount on, and left the yard.
ooo0ooo
The following day Harry reported to the Bifrost with Fandral and Volstagg and a number of others that he didn't recognise, to help shepherd the incoming guests to the right place. For once even the inscrutable and all-seeing Heimdall had resorted to a list, although the long elegant roll of parchment was impressive in itself, and in no way detracted from his dignity. Visitors were to be escorted via a number of waiting carriages, to the Great Hall where they would be greeted officially and conducted to their accommodation. Even Harry was impressed by the efficiency of the entire operation.
Harry had already greeted and escorted two parties, and had apparated back to the Bifrost when he was called over by Heimdall. "Harry Potter, your timing is excellent. I have a party coming in from Midgard next."
Harry stepped forward, "Who do we have Heimdall?"
"Dr Eric Selvig and Miss Darcy Lewis from London, followed almost immediately by Mr Tony Stark, Dr Bruce Banner, Mr Steve Rogers, Miss..." Heimdall broke off and peered more closely at the list "... Miss Pepper Potts, and Miss Natasha Romanov from New York".
"Blimey" muttered Harry. "Earth's mightiest heroes all in one go..."
Heimdall's golden eyes flickered sideways with a brief smile. "I don't know about that Harry Potter. As the saviour of the Midgardian magical world, you should fit right in."
It was therefore, with a little more confidence that Harry stepped forward to greet Captain America, Iron Man, The Hulk, the Black Widow and company. He was not sure whether to be relieved or disappointed at how very ordinary they all appeared. Rogers and Romanoff were both in jeans, Dr Banner was dressed rather like a geography teacher, and Tony Stark wore a suit that was razor sharp, and probably cost more than Harry's entire Earth wardrobe.
Once the formalities were over, and they were all ensconced in the two carriages, Harry passed on Thor's apologies that he was unable to greet them in person. "He's been closeted with Jane, Frigga, Loki and Hermione, doing a final run through for tomorrow, but he will see you all later on"
Harry was suddenly aware that the occupants of his carriage, Steve Rogers, Pepper Potts and Tony Stark were all looking at him in stunned horror.
"Did you say Loki?" said Stark slowly
It dawned upon Harry, that this was the group responsible for taking Loki down in New York...
Awkward.
"Ah. I apologise. I had assumed that Thor would have told you. It was apparently agreed between Asgard, the American government and that creepy agency whose name I've forgotten, that he has been punished enough. He and Thor are reconciled, and Loki is now his Lord Chancellor and right hand man – well, mage. Oh, and he's married."
The faces of his three companions were a picture.
"Loki?" Tony Stark managed to blurt out. "What deranged female did they find that was prepared to marry that nutjob?"
Harry's face closed, his green eyes hard. "My best friend. I arrived in Asgard at the beginning of the summer for their wedding." By now the carriage was pulling into the courtyard. Harry reached for the door before it had a chance to stop, nearly knocking a footman flying. As he jumped out, he glared back over his shoulder. "And leave Loki alone. He's been through enough."
By the time they got out of the carriage Harry had vanished. The carriage's other three occupants looked at one another in consternation.
"Who the hell is going to tell Eric and Bruce?"
Stark grinned at Rogers smugly. "You're the Captain... just be glad that Barton isn't here, otherwise you really would have your hands full"
Rogers pinched the bridge of his nose. He could already feel a headache coming on.
"Is it too late to go home do you think?"
