An Earthborn Asgardian
This is a Harry Potter, The Avengers Crossover by Kefalion aka. Frida. This is a story with focus on Harry Potter and Loki, but also on the relation between the wizards of earth and the Asgardians. This is Loki/Harry.
As you very well know I don't own the plot or the characters that you recognize.
Part 9: The Retellings
Words: 5 550
As they walked along the Bifrost Loki had ample time to tell Harry additional stories, and the fourth one was something extra though it would en up being the last.
"So what story will you tell me next?" Harry asked a smile firmly in place from the last account of Loki and Thor as young children.
In the story they had run off exploring though they had been told to get ready for a banquet they had to attend that evening as emissaries from several Realms were visiting. Loki had been too agar and they had ended up getting lost; only to at last find their way to the kitchens. There they had hid, fearing a scolding as a lot of time had passed. They had hid in a corner and when one of the guards who had been sent to search for them as was about to discover them, they had climbed atop a high shelf, but it had been rickety and the two boys had fallen off on the other side and into a huge bowl of punch. Some of the liquid had splashed over the edges, but there had been enough to cover them both and just then three servants had taken the bowl to carry it up to the Banquet Hall. Not knowing what to do the princes had stayed submerged for as long as they could, holding their breaths. As long as they could was just long enough from them to shoot out of the punch as the bowl was carried into the Hall. Odin had not been pleased, but ultimately the incident had not been harmful, so he forgave them easily and they had gotten away with a light scolding. Perhaps that was also due to the relief the royal couple had felt at finding that the boys had not come to any harm.
"I think you know this one. Soon after we first met I read a version of it in one of the books about Norse Mythology that Hermione provided for you."
"Oh?"
"Does Thor as a Bride make you recall anything?"
Harry stumbled over his own feet and when he looked up meeting Loki's face a look of absolute incredulity having overcome him. "That story was true?" he said in a voice which was unusually high-pitched.
"In part, yes," the other confirmed, a satisfied smirk spreading over his lips. "Can you believe that one time someone actually stole Mjolnir?"
Harry didn't gape, though it was a near thing. "And that part that was true? I didn't think that such a feat was possible. Isn't Thor the only one who can lift it?"
"No, only the worthy can wield Mjolnir, and it has not always been so, it was first after the wedding incident that Odin saw fit to change the Hammer's essence to require certain strengths of character. This was many years ago and it was with admirable stealth that the Giants of one of the Nine Realms managed to steal it. These Giants are the size of Jotuns, and equally as strong, though more humanoid in their looks, with creamy skin and various light hair-colours. Their kind and Asgard has had strained relations for a long time. Though there has never been any right out hostility they have at times chosen to ally themselves with our enemies. Nevertheless the theft of one of our greatest weapons has given them our eternal respect. But at the time it was mainly a cause for great concern."
"I can see that," Harry murmured. "If even half of what I believe about Mjolnir is true it is not a weapon I would like in the hands of a potential enemy."
Loki nodded. "You do know that the situation was handled, much as in the legends of your kin in fact, and yours truly played a large part in making it right, but what I think we should focus on are Thor's dilemma as that is the most amusing part of the story and we are already aware of my superiority."
"And to believe that I for a moment thought that you were being modest," Harry said with a slight shake of his head, the other dark-haired male just smirked.
"Everyone in the palace woke up one morning to hear Thor bellowing in despair. He near razed the palace in his search for his precious Hammer. While he was occupied with upturning every stone and doing his very best to scare the servants senseless with his uncouth behaviour, I went to visit Heimdall. The guardian of the bridge had not seen what had happened, but knowing what to look for he was able to locate Mjolnir and the one who had stolen it. Without bothering anyone I used the Bifrost to travel there, to the palace from which the King of the Giant's Realm ruled his lands, for it was he who had slipped into Asgard. I went there hoping that I'd be able to steel the Hammer back, but I admit to being arrogant. This giant had penetrated all of Asgard's defences, he had avoided detection by both the Allfather and Heimdall, it was he who had managed to steal away with a great treasure from my very own brother's chambers while he lay there sleeping and I, my talents all aside, was unable to trick him."
"This is unexpected," Harry said, peering curiously at Loki.
"A mistake of my youth, I've learnt since then."
"I'd argue that you still suffer from too much pride and arrogance."
"You are referring to New York." Loki's tone grew dark instantly; a smile turned into a scowl, and glittering eyes went dull.
"Surely you cannot think otherwise. It was nothing but arrogant to believe that you could subjugate humanity. You know what we are capable of. You know that we are not all defenceless."
The trickster's face was twisted in a sneer, teeth bared. "I know you and your weaknesses. I know humanity's greed and incapability to appreciate the world that birthed them and each other. You could all benefit from strong leadership."
"You could all?" Harry quoted, anger starting to take over him as well, his eyes blazing and fists clenched, matching the other man's stormy expression. "So you believe that I am weak as well? That I am lesser than you? Should I bow and growl at your feet, my lord?" he said mockingly with a deep and extravagant bow which ended on a jerky motion.
Only the acknowledgement that they had an audience kept Loki from yelling, instead he lowered his voice to a menacing hiss. "Do not misinterpret me and I do not care for your theatrics at this time."
"You're one to talk," Harry muttered sourly as they both knew that Loki had a penchant for melodramatics.
"You are not like them. Your life will not blow over swiftly like a candle flame in the wind. You are strong and I know it. Besides ruling Midgard was never my main goal. What I did, I did for you as I have already explained. All that I have done since I first met you has been for you."
"And you accuse me of misinterpretation!" Harry exclaimed, not having the same reservation about letting the guards hear, at least not as his emotions got the better of him. "I am one of them, Loki! I am altered, yes, but they are my people! They are my kin, my family!" Harry's wand had slipped into his hand and as the company of guards around them looked on he jabbed it under the God of Magic's chin. "They are mine to protect! And once more you have proven that you don't truly care about me, but only about yourself and your needs. You only care about what I can be to you!"
Loki looked like he had been struck, rearing back and halting their procession down the bridge. He stood completely still, face gaining in pallor, almost taking on a blue tinge.
Seeing what his words had done Harry immediately started to apologize, putting the wand away swiftly and moving his hands as if he wished to physically comfort the other. "Loki, I'm sorry," he hurriedly said. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean that. I... I'm so sorry and-"
"You do mean it," Loki said quietly stopping Harry's rant and brushing away the hand Harry had placed on his arm. "I have given you reason to believe this of me. You believe that I do not love you for you, that the only care I have shown was because of what I could gain by our association. That I was loved, that I had friendship and no longer had to be alone. You believe that I've used you for these purposes."
"No," the wizard protested, however it came out sounding weak.
"I cannot blame you for this belief; it is how it started out all things considered. I created the wand, the cloak and the stone in my pursuit of a companion to lessen my desolation. When I met you I did not know you, how could I? I only knew that what I had so long longed for was finally within my reach and that if my experiment had been successful you would be the embodiment of my dreams and aspirations. It was later that this changed. From superficial love and pride in my own success I grew to care for you more than I thought possible and what I had received in the end was better than I could have dreamed. This between us is something I want to protect at all cost and if that makes me a selfish man then so be it. I will freely admit that the world can burn as long as we are allowed to be together. However I know what that would do to you and I will endeavour so that you never have to live through a situation like that. I did give you my word and I will not go back on it. But Harry, you cannot fault me for doing what was necessary to come back to you. It was the price I had to pay. I always believed that it is better to apologize than to ask for permission and I will make it up to you somehow."
"I'm sorry," the younger of the two said again. "I didn't mean to agitate you. I should have known better. I know that this past year has been hard on you and that you've faced many challenges and that you were forced to take hard decisions. I want to blame you for it, believe me I do."
Loki snorted; he had no problem in believing that.
"On some level I still do, but I understand and I know that I will be able to forgive you. Because I still love you despite what has happened, a year apart was not enough to change that and I hope that this won't either. I don't want things to change."
"I love you too," Loki sighed, the anger draining. "I find that I lack control over my emotions and I would appreciate it if…" He sighed again as the guards picked up the pace once more, pulling on the chains that were binding him and forcing him to start walking.
"I'll try to not upset you again," Harry promised, "at least not purposefully. You know that I have a temper too and… This last year's not been easy on me either. Do you think it's a good idea to continue with the story or..?"
"I'll continue. I'm sure remembering Thor's misfortune will have us both smiling in no time. As I was saying I could not approach the Giant King unnoticed. He saw through my illusions as if they were not there and I had to use my so called silver tongue to get out of the situation. I asked for Mjolnir back and luckily he did not reface outright, rather he was agreeable to a trade. He claimed to long have had an eye on a woman named Freya, one of the Vanir living on Asgard since the peace agreement between our two peoples. Freya was and is still considered one of the most beautiful women in all of the Nine Realms and it is no wonder that he desired her. In exchange for Mjolnir he wanted Freya to be his wife. Graciously I accepted his offer and returned to Asgard to relay the news."
"They were not well received?"
"Not in the least. Freya refused profoundly and no man with any wits about him would ever dream of forcing her to do anything she does not please. Thor despaired and went on another rampage, while I, together with Odin and Frigga tried to find a solution like reasonable people. I remember bitterly saying that the Giant was able to see through my illusions and that there would be no use in trying to trick him. Naturally mother, being a woman of practical disposition, knew how we could take advantage of this. While the Giant would be able to see through illusions, this ability would certainly make him arrogant and thus he would not believe that we would try a cruder method to achieve the same thing."
"So?" Harry asked, a smile starting to play on his lips once more as he anticipated the next part of the story.
"So, we decided that Thor would go in Freya's place with me as escort and with the women's help and a spell to restrain Thor, we disguised him. We wanted to shave off his beard, but he refused even bound, screaming like a stung pig until we had to admit defeat in the matter. So we added a veil to the ensemble to cover his face which might have been just as well, no one would ever call Thor a great beauty with or without beard and he certainly does not look like a woman. We put him in a covering dress to match the veil and off we went."
"What colour was the dress?" Harry asked a spark of mischief lighting up his eyes.
"Pink of course," answered a smirking Loki. "Bright pink and deep purple in a combination that was a true eyesore, which I never would have subjugated myself to were it not for Thor's humiliation and the fact that pink is a custom at weddings in Asgard and the Giant's royal colour is purple. The feast to celebrate the wedding was magnificent. Luckily for us our Allies had agreed to provide excuses to not attend the wedding, meaning that except for Thor and I there were only Giants there. Whatever can be said about them they do know how to arrange a wedding. There was splendid music and entertainment and more food than three armies could have eaten."
"That does sound like something."
"We were not there to enjoy ourselves however, we were on a mission and for my part I was determined to see it through without incidents. To give us an edge we had decided to wait until our hosts had indulged in drink, becoming disabled in drunkenness before we would secrete away with the Hammer. The problem was that Thor indulged in drink as well, imbibing fine wines and ales as if he had the thirst of ten men. When drunk my brother likes to eat and he nearly gave us away as the Giant King questioned with kind of woman could eat so much. If it had not been for my ability to talk through most situations he would have ruined it. I assured the Giant that Freya merely was nervous at the prospect of the wedding night when their union as husband and wife would be solidified. Surely a girl could not be blamed for that, I said. As it were I managed to sneak off, back to the throne room where the Giant had left the Hammer. I then got back to the Feast Hall and hinted at it to Thor, letting him know that he should get away too. The big brute that he is though, he summoned Mjolnir and proceeded to knock out every single one of the wedding guests while I could only watch with increasing exasperation. At least he made a humorous picture as he drunkenly beat around himself clad in a dress."
Harry chuckled at the image provided. "That would have been a sight. Did it harm your relations with the Giants?"
"Yes and no. The man who was King was killed by Thor that day as were his closest kin. The family which usurped the crown was most thankful and as it were we gained an alliance from the whole ordeal."
"Most fortuitous, if a bit ironic."
"Indeed."
"And it was after this that Odin put the spell on the Hammer?"
"Correct, though it is not so much a spell. He was able to change the very essence of the Hammer, persuading the intelligence which it had received at its forging, making it stronger and partly bond to his will. I have not been able to lift it since," the last part was added bitterly.
"That can still change," the wizard said a look of stubborn belief on his face.
"Perhaps," Loki allowed, with a smile of affection, but with a residual hint of self-deprecation.
They continued walking in silence. The tension which had stemmed from their argument had not abated completely even with the story and neither man was keen to risk more hurtful words being spoken. Instead they both put effort into enjoying the scenery and the special atmosphere which existed in Asgard; Loki feeling a continued mix of nostalgia, melancholy and intense bitterness, while Harry continued to be filled with a sense of awe at this ancient and powerful place.
At long last they had walked the entire extent of the Rainbow Bridge that was over open water, passing a great pair of breakwaters and immediately having buildings rising up on either side. The pace was not halted though, the guards escorting them showed no sign of their environment having changed in their pace.
Loki noticed how Harry muttered a spell as they neared the first residential houses of the city, though he could not see what it was for. "What did you do?" he asked.
"I made sure that you are allowed to keep your head high," Harry whispered so that the guards wouldn't hear him. "I created an outward illusion. Anyone looking at you from outside the company will not see the chains; they'll simply think you are being escorted by an honorary guard, not you being a prisoner."
Loki smiled. "Thank you."
"It was nothing."
"But it is. Your small act will allow me to keep my dignity, at least for a while longer. I expect that my supposed death wasn't kept a secret to the populace, however they may not yet be privy of all that have passed."
"Well then, you're welcome."
.:oOo:.
After that Harry stayed silent, and he was thankful that Loki did the same. The time to fill up their time with stories was over, because now they were walking through a story in the making, or so Harry felt. They had entered the city proper and he marvelled at the sights. The buildings were magnificent, true architectural wonders. They were high. The masonry was of the highest quality. When looking at a wall and seeing the stones aligned Harry got the impression that if he tried he wouldn't be able to fit as much as a paper between any of the stones. Everywhere there were decorations, carved figures and patterns in the stone, more often than not these words of art were highlighted in gold.
And the people who were moving through the streets were drawing his attention with equal allure. Superficially they looked human, but Harry could see that they were not; it was in the way that the moved, gracefully, proudly, with ease that only few humans felt or could hope to mimic. The clothes they wore were of course different compared to fashion on earth, though not so foreign as to make him feel uncomfortable. Had he been a muggle the situation might have been another, but Harry was a wizard and he had had ample time to grow used to a more archaic way of dress. Robes on men and women alike did not faze him and the practical leather clothes and sets of armour that were also found in the crowd were not strange, if anything, all of it was beautiful. Rich colours, floral and other patterns inspired by nature, shiny silks and matted wools. Embroideries of animals and symbols of strength in threads of gold and silver, jewellery in the same metals masterfully shaped into links around necks and wrists.
Though he tried to only live in the present and enjoy his first visit to the Realm Eternal, his thoughts strayed to Loki. His musings were repetitive, but felt no less important for it. The man was not the same as he remembered. The mood swings for one. Harry understood that he must have lived through a very trying experience, and he wanted to be understanding, but at the same time there was only so much he would overlook and that was what their short argument had stemmed in and he didn't like it. He did not want to argue and he was afraid that many more arguments would arise between them unless something changed quickly. It was simply inevitable. Then there was the insecurity regarding both of their futures. Loki was to be judged and put to trial and with only the Allfather as the judge and jury nothing was certain.
Loki also believed that Harry would be held accountable for their association and all that entailed. He was uncertain of what his existence would mean. He was an oddity and there was no way of knowing if that would matter to the society he was joining. Loki had also hinted to that a relationship between them would not bee viewed with approval by everyone; this was his main argument for keeping Harry secret all these years. There was no outright hatred for homosexuality, but it was regarded as a bit of an oddity. Flings and partnerships just for the enjoyment were accepted readily as it was agreed that men had needs and in battles there would not always be women at hand, however crude that statement might seem. However when choosing another person to spend the rest of your life with it was expected that the union would be between a man and a woman. Hopefully it would all work out for the best. Harry had to believe that or he might as well give up and spare himself the trouble.
They continued to walk through the city, slowly nearing the palace and their destination. Harry glanced over at his companion ever so often and each time he could have sworn that Loki was about to say something only to change his mind.
As the road the were walking on passed through a large park filled with green plants, freshly smelling grass and blooming trees, Loki at last found the courage to speak up, but he was interrupted nearly right away.
"Harry, I," he had just said as Thor landed in front of them, wind whipping about him.
"I bring news," the tall blond said, never noticing that he had interrupted anything, although his brother's fierce glance spoke more than a thousand words.
"Well then," Loki sneered, "you best regale them at once; we could not have you wait for our attention a minute longer."
Thor frowned, but did not remark on the harsh treatment. "Mother is on our side. She will be your best allay when speaking with father."
"But Odin does not agree," Harry concluded, looking worried on Loki's behalf.
"No, he does not," Thor confirmed reluctantly. "However I believe that he is willing to give you a change as long as you do not agitate him. Show remorse, Loki. Acknowledge to him that you have been in the wrong, and you shall have a merciful sentence."
"A merciful sentence?" Loki chuckled dryly. "Now that is a relief. All I have to do to get the Allfather's mercy is to lie; now that should not be a problem. I'll lie and say that I regret everything and then I'll be locked away in my room instead of the dungeon, how very pleasant."
"Loki," Harry said, his voice neutral.
"I am the God of Lies am I not, Harry?"
"You are more than that. Please show it. You can be worthy." The wizard looked pointedly at Mjolnir and Loki's lips thinned as he followed his gaze.
"At what cost?" he asked.
"At the cost of honesty to yourself."
"You believe that you know me so well?"
"I do."
Squaring his shoulders Loki looked Harry in the eyes. "I make no promises, as I am not certain that they will be kept, but I shall try." The for you, went unsaid though it was still noticeable in its absence. "With that said I wan to discuss something I find direr than my impending incarceration." Harry glared as Loki so flippantly spoke of getting thrown in another prison cell. "Thor, what is to become of Harry?"
"I was told that he was being escorted to the healers and father sent me to join him there, though as I could see that you had not yet arrived, I joined you here."
"Blast!" Loki cursed.
"Why is that bad?" Harry asked, and Thor seemed to share in his puzzlement.
"It means that Odin does not believe that you are what we say. He wants to make sure, and anything which marks you as different will surely be used against you."
"Brother, surely you cannot believe that father would-"
"I believe much about that man, Thor! And being weak willed and overly polite are not things I would credit him with. I ma not like him, but he is a leader and he takes his duty very seriously. He will not stand for a threat walking in your midst and that he wants the healers to examine Harry proves that that is what he believes Harry to be, for many reasons. He will not stand for being at a disadvantage. A Midgardian proverb says that knowledge is power and that is a philosophy Odin swears by. He will find out Harry's secrets and weaknesses and if need be he will not hesitate to use that knowledge against us."
Thor nodded slowly. "You may be right in this."
"Of course I am right. It is what I would have done. It is what any ruler with a brain within his skull would have done. You do not allow a potential enemy do whatever he pleases within your Realm. What bothers me," Loki delayed a bit before saying bothers, having Harry believe that what the world would have been fear were it not for the man's pride, "is that with the knowledge he will gain by putting Harry in the soul forge is the knowledge to break him, to take him apart and make him less than he was before my interference."
"And why would he do this, brother?"
"He might not do it, but that he is able is enough to give him the leverage to manipulate and threaten me. He surely knows the importance Harry holds for me and he will use it to the best of his ability. He would use Harry to have me make promises that I would rather not and for other purposes of which I cannot be certain. They are part of Asgard's dark past, and while this is a subject I have been interested in for obvious reasons the material has remained beyond my reach."
"What are you speaking of?"
"Of Harry's ancestors, Thor. Something happened that made the advanced civilisation of long ago crumble and disappear and from what I have been able to gather it had everything to do with the relations they had with us."
"You have not told me this before," interjected Harry.
"I did not know as much before and I did not wish to worry you if unwarranted. During my brief time as King I managed to get access to some of the last documents remaining which record what happened, and that time was not nearly enough for me to get the full story."
"This is troubling," Thor said solemnly, "but it can hardly be of any concern anymore."
"I would not be so sure that the Allfather agrees with you. Until you learned of Harry I and he were the only one who knew that magic still existed on Earth. He was unaware of my knowledge and it was a nonissue. That is no longer so. Taking your new allies into concern," Loki looked most unwilling to be saying anything kind about the Avengers or humans in general, "as well as Harry's people, the power balance is shifting. Humanity is becoming strong again and as the leader of Asgard, the sovereign realm, Odin will have to prepare for any eventualities. If what I have done can be done again, the could suddenly be a whole people with the same longlivity and powers as us, people who have different technologies, evolved from uncountable years of having to advance technologically to survive and with the disposition to continue to evolve. The advancement seen in technology on Midgard this last century rivals nothing else in the nine realms, even I can admit to it."
"My Prince," the commander of the guards said, approaching Thor.
"Yes?"
"We need to move on. The Allfather is expecting us and the prisoner."
The blond jutted out his jaw. "You will not call my brother such in my presence. He deserves better."
The guard bowed, "of course, my Prince. My apologies."
"That was unnecessary," Loki muttered, never one to accept any kindness from his brother.
"Allow me to be the judge of that. You can move out," he said to the guards and so they began to walk, forcing Loki to move as well. Thor however did not just stand idly watching them walk away, he gestured for Harry to follow and so they continued on in Loki's company.
"I have more to tell you both. It was decided that your request to be put through the trails is to be accepted, Jameson."
"Of all the stupid things," Loki muttered, narrowing his eyes at Harry. "Do not venture to tell me that you actually requested to go through a rite of passage."
"I did," Harry said stubbornly.
"Why would you do that?"
"If I am to speak for you I have to be accepted as one of you."
"You will never-"
"Brother," Thor warned.
"Are you saying what I think you are saying?" Harry asked in a dangerous tone and magic began to crackle around him, akin to how lighting would sometimes be summoned to Thor when he lost control of his temper.
"People are unforgiving," Loki said, proving his own words. "They do not see beyond what they want to see. And you will always be regarded as an outsider."
"But in the eyes of the law-"
"Odin is the law and as long as that is true it will not matter what you do, he will see you as an extension of me, and to him whatever little I was has been spent."
"Son of James," Thor said.
"Yes, my Lord?" Harry said, just as much to defer to his liege as to oppose Loki.
"Are you able to create a barrier which will stop anyone from overhearing what we say?"
"Yes."
"Do so."
"My Prince, I have to protest-" one of the guards said.
"And you have done so," Thor interrupted impatiently. "Harry, the barrier."
Nodding, Harry brought out his wand and cast the muffliato spell, believing that it would be sufficient for their needs. "It's done."
"These words were uncalled for, brother. Father is not so unjust. He will surely value Harry once he is given a chance, for that is what this is. Your concerns regarding the healers may be justified, but Father asked me to assess your companion and if you cannot trust in him, then I ask you to trust me and that I will do everything in my power to make sure that justice is served."
Loki glowered as his brother looked unblinkingly at him with earnest blue eyes. "Fine!" he eventually snapped. "I'll give you the benefit of doubt and I'll trust that you look after Harry even after the evaluation is complete. Odin will try to drive a wedge between us and you shall not let him."
"I will do as you ask."
"And what am I? Just a part of the scenery?" Harry said. "I will not myself be manipulated so easily. I may have asked for the trails to earn a place among you, but I am also an emissary of Earth and as such I will bow to no one."
Now Loki smirked, pleased. "I am counting on it."
AN 19th Mars 2014
I can't believe how long this took me, but I've not been feeling like writing much as of late, and I don't know why. The few things I have written have either been completely spontaneous or gruelling work to complete. One part of the blame is the "marriage story" which caused me some trouble as I wanted to keep to Norse mythology but struggled with how to incorporate it with marvel, but you got a new chapter and hopefully I've started a trend that will continue i.e. getting me back into writing.
Please let me know what you thought and suggest what you would like to see later on in this story, flashbacks, stories, about what's going on in Asgard and the past history with Magical humans and Asgardians. And any suggestions on titles for the chapters? They all start with "The R" the rest is undecided. If any of you are wishing for a chapter called "The Romance" you'll have to wait, it may just come though. Thanks for reading!
PS. I read through and edited the past eight parts, 98 mistakes removed! (Yes I counted) And this is the longest chapter so far!
