August-12-14011-Asgard, August-12-13011-Vanaheim, August-12-2013-Midgard, August-12-7013-Olympus.
Location: Leaky Cauldron, Leadenhall Market, London, England, Great Britain, Midgard.
(Loki's POV)
"This is it." She states coming to a stop in front of the Leaky Cauldron. "I must say it was kept in much better condition the last time I was here." 'For the border between Midgardan's magic users and those without it is sorely unkempt.'
"We are meeting them here?" Thor asks sounding concerned and radiating unease and unhappiness at the situation on top of the nerves he's already projecting onto her.
"Yes. Come."
Entering the establishment does little to make her feel better with where her son will be continuing his primary magic education. The lighting is beyond poor for mortal eyes. The decor dated and worn and the establishment full of drunkards and criminals at a time when families and most importantly children are known to be coming through. Spotting her son with Nikolaos, Bianca, and Lord Stark all looking around the room with well hidden distaste she and Thor make their way through the quickly parting crowd.
"Hell of a place to chose to meet your kid for the first time." Stark scolds pushing a two glasses of milk toward Hadrian and Nicoloss's empty ones while they finish their meal.
"I'm afraid I must apologize. As this is the sole entrance to the British's magical portion of the planet I had thought it would be kept in much better condition." she explains as she and Thor seat themselves.
"Wait they only have the one entrance? We have like four in New York alone." Stark says confused.
"I am aware. I am severely disappointed with what I've seen so far. It was much different no less than 12 years ago I assure you." she states looking around in thinly veiled disgust.
"Twelve years ago we had separate entrances for half-bloods and muggle borns. Many things have changed since then." A stern looking woman in a pointed witches hat states leading a midgardian family over to the table. "I'm afraid we have not met. I am Minerva McGonagall I teach transfiguration at Hogwarts. Do you mind?" She asks gesturing to the table.
"Not at all. We would be delighted to meet the children's instructors. I'm Loki Silvertongue."
"Loki as in the Norse god of mischief?" The young girl asks excitedly as she sits down.
"Yes, that would be me." I confirm with a smile at the young girl's excitement. 'So many moments missed in his life.' She thinks sparing a glance at Hadrian who is talking animatedly with Nikolaos.
"I thought I recognized you and your husband. I told you Paul! I told you it was the norse Gods Thor and Loki over here with Tony Stark!" the wife says excitedly must to the establishments shock causing it to quickly quiet before the chatter picks up again.
"Yes you did." Paul says abashed.
"Hi, I'm Bridget Granger, this is my husband Paul and our daughter Hermione. We been worshiping you both since shortly after you saved our family back in America. Our whole family worships you now actually."
"We can't even begin to thank you enough for what you two have done to help save earth these past few years." Paul says grateful. "Did you ever find out where the army that invaded earth came from? The official story was aliens from a far off planet but with what we've learned about magic and other realms- Well to be frank I wouldn't be surprised."
"The realm responsible for the attack has been charged with breaking several laws not to mention the life sentences they now face for attacking another realm unprovoked." Thor asures from his side radiating confusion likely at the mans odd choice of words. 'Who is Frank?' "It always an honor to meet worshipers." Thor continues before turning to face the stuned instructor. "You mentioned you teach at Hogwarts?"
"Well yes I-" *Cough* "Yes, I am the deputy headmistress and the transfigurations professor at Hogwarts. It is an hour to meet you your majesty's." she states with a curtsy.
"Wonderful. Would you happen to know anything about why our children were attacked by hoards of letters and flocks of owls?" she diplomatically asks already knowing the answer but wanting to hear it from someone closer to the man responsible for the unprecedented attack on numerous realm's magical children.
"Yes, I am quite sorry about that your highness." She apologizes as she seats herself. "I am afraid the current headmaster is getting on in his years and his half-blood ancestry is beginning to show causing certain human diseases to present themselves. To be blunt he has become senile in his old age. He is 300 after all and humans simply don't live that long."
"Are the children at risk?" Miss Granger asks worriedly protectively placing her hand on her daughter's shoulder.
"No, no. I should think not. The minister of magic has assigned Aurors to take turns following him after his actions with the post. As deputy headmistress I have taken it upon myself to hire an aid for him. It is my understanding the governors of the school are looking for a replacement for him for the upcoming years." Professor McGonagall asures.
"Sorry about your owls Professor McGonagall." Hadrian apologizes voice filled with sadness and guilt.
"I'm afraid I don't understand what you're apologizing for." Professor McGonagall explains confused.
"We didn't realize someone was trying to send us mail and well- We killed the owls and set fire to the letters before they could reach us." Nikolaos explains voice full of regret.
"We were at an Olympian weapons training camp." Bianca hastily continues sounding just as abashed. "Everyone thought someone had targeted an attack on us. It wouldn't be the first time someone tried to attack our family. So the entire camp, children, counselors and instructors grabbed weapons and took out the threat." Loki can feel Thor's swelling pride at how the children took care of the threat. She looks over to him just in time to catch the proud smile switch to a frown aimed at the headmistress in disapproval that such direct action, by children no less, was necessary.
"It wasn't until the spell lifted that we realized they were school invitation letters. The God Apollo and his children are working around the clock to heal the surviving owls." Hadrian finishes.
"Yes, well- Under the circumstances the fate of those owls was not your fault. Many family members, Aurors and even the Unspeakables had to resort to the same method. It took nearly eight hours for the curse breakers to undo the spell Dumbledore placed on the letters and birds. The headmaster was actually breaking several laws by placing that spell." She states her lips pursed with thinly veiled disapproval and disappointment.
"That's not resaureing." Mr. Granger states frowning concerned.
"What's to prevent such a situation from occurring again?" Thor asks with a matching frown his emotions radiating firm disapproval and unease.
"The threat of Azkaban- that is the muggleborn and half-blood wizarding prison for life should he be found doing anything of the sort ever again. In addition there are the Arours, Unspeakables and the new list of people who must approve of his decisions from now on before they are carried through. I know with what has happend with the post you must have had your doubts. I understand how poor our school must look now hearing about the headmaster's condition. I assure you however Hogwarts is one of the best schools here on Midgard. We still rank number three out of all eight of Midgard's current European primary magic schools." Headmistress McGonagall asures.
"Who ranks number one and two?" Miss Granger asks curiously.
"Currently Beauxbatons Academy of Magic in France ranks number one followed by Durmstrang Institute in Germany." Professor McGonagall recites.
"If anything like what happend with the post occurs again or if the children are put in any sort of any danger they will be pulled out immediately." she states firmly. "Our children were attending Beauxbatons prior to this and are only attending Hogwarts because we have family ties to the school."
"I understand completely. I would be doing the same thing if I were in your position. If you are all still willing to send your children to Hogwarts I am willing to give you a tour of Midgard's magical community." Professor McGonagall offers.
"That would be much appreciated." Thor states smiling .
"Very well follow me." She instructs leading us to the gardens out back. Only…
"What has happend to the vast gardens?" she asks in shock as they step out into a small discript patio.
"I'm afraid the entrance into Vanaheim's Midgardian colonies has also changed drastically. In fact I must warn you seeing as you have been here before. Everything outside the shops has been reduced to how it looked during Midgard's 15th century prior to Vanhiem's intervention. To maintain the stability of Midgardian spellwork it will feel very much like stepping back in time with the barest hints of magic until we are able to fund the full repairs."
Loki shares a frown with Thor and sees Mrs. and Mr. Granger doing the same out of the corner of her eye.
"Now watch closely this is the old border between the realms." Headmistress Mcgonagall states after canceling the transfiguration on her clothing and hat. "Three bricks up from the pentagram and two across from the gargoyle carving simply tap the brick with your magic once and-" she states with a tap of her wand to the brick.
They watch on as the brick melts away forming a small hole in the wall until nothing is left save for a magic-marble archway large enough for a full grown frost giant. "Follow quickly now." she instructs leading us through the archway. "As an added security measure the alley entrance will only stay open long enough for those opening it to pass through. Welcome to Diagon Alley. As I have said it has seen much better days." she states looking around with pursed lips. Loki wrinkles her nose in distaste at the now primitive state of Diagon Alley. Looking over to Thor she sees his eyes full of wonder and curiosity hiding his confusion at its primitive appearance. While the noise is full of life filled with the sounds of the street vendors and the children and families rushing about it is not unreasonably loud. Thankfully mortals have nothing on Asgardians in that department.
—-
(Hadrian's POV)
Adrian looks around curiosity unknowingly sharing his mother's sentiments.
"Will the children really need cauldrons to cook their meals in." Miss Granger asks rightfully concerned considering we are standing in such an outdated alleyway.
"Oh no, we have house elves for that." Professor McGonagall assures. "The cauldrons sold here are for potion making."
"What sort of potions will the children be making." Mother asks as our transfigurations professor leads us through the cramped alleyway.
"By the time they graduate and move on to secondary school the children should know how to make basic healing potions, basic cleaning potions and beautifying potions amongst other things. I'm afraid for a more in depth overview of the Potions classes you will need to ask Professor Snape. I graduated nearly 900 years ago after all." Headmistress McGonagall states pausing to allow a family of fellow purebloods to pass. Despite the limited room for foot travel the alley is packed with people. I am beyond thankful I chose to wear my Asgardian military boots. We quickly pass a shop which sells soaps and candles, a dubious barber shop and a bookshop advertising mythomagic cards and mythomagic instruction books on sale. Bianca sees the advertisment first causing her to subtly pull us ahead as to prevent us from fully stopping.
We're forced to move away from a rowdy reunion of redheads who are all exiting Quality Quidditch Supplies. I nuge Nico who looks up at the building. He quickly hides a smile remembering our last Quidditch match. After the swarm of acceptance letters brodly announced the existence of the magical world to camp half blood, the Olympian Gods somehow convinced Hekate to build the camp a Quidditch pitch. Flying lessons were subsequently added to the growing list of recreational training lessons followed by everyone learning how to play both Quodpot and Quidditch.
"Dragon liver, seventeen Sickles an ounce. They're mad if they think they can sell those at that price." A familiar plump redheaded woman states leading the redheaded family reunion into a Apothecary while shaking her head. Bianca suddenly freezes in her steps at the sight of the woman causing all of us behind her to stop. "You!" The woman shrieks dropping her bags and lunging for Bianca. Nico and I reflectively put up a protecto shield around our group at the same time my mother suomons her scepter and Father calls for Mjölnir. The woman slams face first against the shield.
"What is the meaning of this!" My mother demands at the same time Professor McGonagall shouts "Miss Weasley!" in a shocked but firmly scolding tone and my father also demands "What is the meaning of this?!"
"Miss Weasley! Gather control over yourself." Headmistress Mcgonagall advises her voice firm.
"I am in perfect control and if you don't mind I will be taking that little girl and her siblings with me." she states marching up past our dropped protecto and grabbing our arms.
"Excuse me?!" Miss Granger demands pulling Hermione between her and Mr Ganger. Father and Lord Stark quickly pull us back while Mother wraps her magic over our entire group protectively while shouting; "You have no right!" she takes a deep breath. "These happen to be children under my care. One of them my own son. Yet you dare try to kidnap them from right under my nose?" she asks her voice ending in a deadly growl.
"That- that brat ruined me!" She shouts much to the gathering crowds confusion. "Thanks to her I've been charged with attempted kidnaping and banned from the United States and the America's!"
"Well maybe don't try kidnapning people's kids." Lord Stark patronizing states while moving protectively in front of us while Father reflectively moves to cover his place behind us. "If you want to direct your anger at someone direct it at me." Lord Stark says "I'm the one who filed a lawsuit against that phony orphanage of yours. When my lawyers realized what was happening a formal investigation began. How many kids have you kidnaped that way? Do they even remember their families Miss Weasley?"
"Good heavens! Molly, please tell me this isn't true?" Headmistress Mcgonagall bequests with a hand over her heart.
"I-I don't know what they're talking about." Miss Weasley defends looking around at the growing crowd with equally growing horor.
"Well in that case you wouldn't mind subjecting each of your children to a blood lineage test. Then we can put this whole matter behind us. Come." Headmistress Mcgonagall orders the shocked red headed family who are herded by the crowd to follow our group into a Gringotts bank.
Once inside, we pause to allow our eyes time to adjust to the subtle shift in light.
"This really isn't necessary." Miss Weasley states becoming increasingly nervous as several on and off duty Arours herd her and her shouting family toward an open teller.
"If you wouldn't mind your majesty's can you please show the Grangers along the rest of the way. I feel I must see to the end of this matter myself. I have spent my career watching each of the Weasley children grow up. No matter how old they get I consider each one of them my cubs."
"It is no trouble I assure you." Mother reassures the frazzled Headmistress.
"Thank you."
"I must warn you, what Lord Stark said is true. That woman is a wanted criminal for at least attempting to kidnap Hadrian, Nikolaos and Bianca back in America."
"You're certain there wasn't some sort of misunderstanding?" She asks hopefully.
"They were in the White House following an unrelated lighting attack that killed and injured several officials. The children were well within the presidential guest suite waiting on family to arrive. How she managed to get that far in is as of yet undetermined."
"Oh." Professor Mcgonagall states much too shocked to say much more. "Right," She states straightening herself out. "-before I forget, Miss Granger, here is your ticket to the Hogwarts express." She states promptly handing Hermione a train ticket. "The train leaves platform 9¾ at King's Cross on 1 September at 11 o'clock in the morning on the dot. The students will arrive at Hogsmeade Station in the early evening. From there the first years will take boats to the castle and the older students will take the carriages. The border between the magical portion of the earth and the muggle portion- that is those without magic is a seemingly solid brick wall. So long as you hold your parents hands they should be able to pass through with you. Parents not attending or working at Hogwarts are however not permitted to ride the train and must stay on the platform. If you'll excuse me."
"Of course." We all state watching as she hurrys off after the Weasley family at a brisk pace.
(Nicoloss's POV)
"Princess Silvertongue?" I ask worriedly
"Yes, Nicoloss?" she asks quickly hiding her worry from her eyes.
"What would have happend to us if Miss Weasley had managed to get past Binca or if security hadn't come in time?"
"We would have lead army's searching every realm for you three and taken those responsible to Asgard's prison."
I nod my head and tighten my hand into a fist reflectively wanting to be holding Hadrian's hand.
"Now come, even if we decide not to send you off to Hogwarts after all we still need to check on our bank vaults here in Britain and have you three checked for any unclaimed heirships. Miss. Granger and Mr. Granger you will both need to set up a family vault regardless." Princess Silvertongue states beginning to lead us to a goblin teller. "I am willing to donate enough money to allow young Hermione to live in the magical realm comfortably until she can begin earning her own wage if that is acceptable with you."
"We have money." Mr. Granger says uneasily.
"Yes, but you do not have wizarding currency." Prince Thor explains. "The conversion rate is rather high."
"How high?" Miss Granger asks worriedly.
"A gallon which is treated like a dollar er- a pound is worth 25 dollars back in the states. To make up the difference most banks charge about a hundred per gallon exchanged."
"It is roughly the same conversion rate here." The scratchy voice of a goblin states from in front of us. "Welcome back Princess and Prince Silvertongue may your gold overflow. How may the Goblin Nation help you today."
"Greetings High Master Bonelick may your enemys fall at your feet. We would like to open four new family accounts. One for Heiress di Angelo, two for Heir di Angelo and one for both Heir di Angelo and my son Heir Silvertongue to share. Each account should maintain at least 24,000,456 gallons, 15,000 sickles and 12,000 knuts in it at all times. The owners of each account will be notified by any means necessary should that number drop by even a knut."
"Very well." High Master Bonelick states quickly writing everything down and filing the order. "It will be completed within the week. Anything else."
"Have you two made a decision regarding our offer?" Prince Thor asks the Grangers.
"Yes. We will be taking you up on it." Mr. Granger affirms as his wife quickly nods her head causing her tied back dreadlocks to bounce.
"Wonderful, a new family account with the same amount will be opened for the Granger family. We would also like to speak with each of our account managers and teach the Grangers about the process."
High Master Bonelick blinks a few times at the request likely sound odd coming from royalty but nods his head. "Very well." "Gripblade!" High Master Bonevich calls in Gobbledygook. "Take Princess, Prince and Heir Silvertongue to their head account manager. he orders as a goblin quickly rushes over to us. "The di Angelo heir and heiress and muggle Granger family will be accompanying them."
"Right this way you're majesty's and subjects." Gripblade states leading us within the bank.
"29 Knuts make up one Sickle, and there are 17 Sickles in a Galleon. If a gallon is worth $25 that means a Knut is worth $0.05 and a Sickle is worth $1.50." Hermione says looking up from her book on goblins and Gringotts.
"That's right." Adrian says from my side. We're both looking for new language books having gathered enough cooking books to last us until term ends.
"Oh! I found a new one." I say handing Adrian Gobbledygook for advanced readers.
"What language is that written in?" Hermione asks curiosity.
"Gobbledygook, the language of European goblins. This is advanced reading. We can lend you a copy of the beginner books if you want." Adrian offers.
"Really? Thank you." She says beaming.
"No problem that's what friends are for right?" I state with a small smile.
"I wouldn't know I've never had a friend before." Hermione explains catching our attention.
"Why not?" Adrian asks confused.
"I don't really know. In nursery school everyone made fun of me for my teeth and my hair and my dark skin. Then in primary- well muggle primary no one wanted to be my friend because I read all the time and they were just learning some of the things I had already learned from books."
"It's wrong to make fun of people's appearances. We all grow into our natural looks differently. But the book thing… that's odd." I state at a complete loss looking to Adrain for help.
"I know that books aren't always right." Adrian explains. "Like some history and language books I've read have been dead wrong. Still reading is… I can't imagine life without it."
"I've never found a book to be wrong before. But is suppose anything can happen." Hermione says with a smile.
"What are you kids talking about?" Miss Granger asks walking over with a bottomless basket.
"My friend Adrian mentioned that he once found some books that were wrong Mum."
"Well that can happen. I'd put any books you find that are obviously wrong back on the shelf unless there required for school." Miss Granger says as Princess Loki walks over.
"Schools can have incorrect books?" I ask shocked.
"It can happen yes." She says looking back at Princess Loki who's reading one of the textbooks. "What are your thoughts on the schools curriculum?"
"The potions, transfiguration, charms, spell and creature lesson textbooks are all satisfactory considering they are for first year primary school." Princesses Loki states without looking up from her book. "The herbology book coddles a bit more then I feel is necessary but it is passable." She says turning the page quickly reading though it and putting it down. "It's the history and defense books that concern me."
"Well first things first. What's wrong with the history book?"
"For one thing it was punished is over 100 years ago."
"You're kidding." Miss Granger asks shocked.
"Believe me I wish I were but I'm not. That's not the my only issue with it either. The book is inappropriate for children their age and it is wildly inaccurate. The entire textbook sights wizards opinions on goblin wars that took place across the realms. The wizards themselves weren't even alive at the time to be present to witness the war. It barely makes any mention of anything else at all."
"May I?"
"Yes, please go ahead." Princess Loki says handing Miss Granger one of the history books before picking back up our defense book.
We return to our browsing making sure to stay near the adults while we do so. I find a book on potion making that doesn't seem too hard and pick it up while handing Adrian and Hermine a copy.
We've completed the potions book and vetoed two Lockhart books from Hermione when we all trip over a stack off invisible books landing on-
"What's mermish? Oh does it have anything to do with mermaids?!" Hermione asks excitedly causing her mom and Princess Loki to both look up.
"You're talking about sirens I think." I explain gratefully taking Adrian's hand while looking over the book. "Wow you actually found the book on mermish!" I say shocked.
"Really!?" Adrian asks "There's only been one made. It's always sold out for some reason."
"That's because for the past 200 years the same person has been buying all the books. And you kids managed to find an entire stack!" Princess Loki says excitedly. "Congratulations!"
"If you will allow us we would be happy to pay for the books." Miss Granger offers. "And before you say anything you've already set up my daughter for life if she's practical with her money. Although I do expect her to get a decent job and not simply waste the chance you have given her." Miss Granger adds looking to Hermione who nods her head to show she understands.
"The books are $250 a piece and I was going to buy at least five. You don't have to-"
"Of course we do."
"Very well however we are paying for the children's school books."
"Than we must pay for their uniforms."
"Is that a challenge?" Princess Loki says with a small smile.
"Maybe." Miss Granger responds with a matching smile.
"Wands are off limits."
"In that case I politely offer to buy the children's pets."
"Familiars. They are sediment creatures unlike certain animals." Princess Loki politely corrects before continuing the challenge. "If you must buy the children their familiars then we must buy them their trunks."
"I will buy them their telescope and scales seeing as they come from the same store."
"Then I simply must buy them their seasonal clothing."
"I suppose that just leaves the Cauldrons."
"Yes it does."
"Who's going to buy all the remaining books?" Mr. Granger asks from where he, Lord Stark and Prince Thor are watching amused.
"I will. As the third party who convinced these two to buy ten of each history book on the shelves after reading what passes as a history book at that school."
"We'll be needing ten copies of their defense books as well." Princess Loki adds "This book is entirely too prejudiced and flat out racist for my liking."
"How bad is it?" Mr. Granger asks concerned.
"Read the cover." Prince Thor says with a disapproving frown while passing the book to Lord Stark who whistles and raises his eyebrows.
"'The dark forces- a guide to self preservation.' I'm sorry but we're completely new to the magical community. What's wrong with what I just read?"
"Right well let me put it to you this way." Lord Stark says grabbing ahold of Mr. Grangers shoulder "A couple millenia ago, before Vanaheim, Asgard, Jotunheim any of the big nine really realized that Midgard had progressed far enough to have sediment life they were fighting a war. It was light against dark. If you had dark skin, hair, eyes or magic you were attacked by those who had the opposite light hair, pale skin, light magic and vise versa."
"But what about people with brown hair and eyes and um-" Miss Granger ask fumbling for the word.
"Grey magic." Loki explains. "They tried to keep the peace, continue on living like a war was not going on around them."
"My people-Asgard's people were fighting for the light by order of my father." Thor explains
"My people, Jotunheim's people fought for the dark as per my father's orders." Loki explains.
"What ended the war?" Hermione asks.
"My parents met." Adrian says with a smile "My parents met and caused the war to end. They would not fight their soulmates people. They refused."
"When we came back battle hardened and coated in the enemy's blood our fathers thought they had won." Thor stars with a grimace.
"When we informed them of our decision they became enraged." Loki continues
"They ordered the armies to go out and atack. I wept for months."
"As did I." Loki says placing a reassuring hand in Thor's shoulder.
"But the armies did not attack each other." Stark continues "According to the legend and you guys need to correct me if I get this part wrong." He says smiling at Thor and Loki "According to the legend the armies refused to obey king Odin or King Fárbauti from then on. Outraged and having equally as much power the Queens Laufey and Frigga ordered the armies to attack on their behalf."
"What happened?" Miss Granger asks.
"The armies refused again and applied the same conditions on them." Stark says holding back a laugh. "When the surrounding realms learned what happened both pairs of royalty became banned from stepping foot in the other realms including Vanaheim and her territories. Of course Midgard was colonized by Vanaheim during the war and had already begun teaching magic to those who had it. After learning just what kind of people ruled the other realms, the rulers of Midgard offered all of Midgard to the protection and overseeing rule of both Thor and Loki. Not having any set ruler at the time but needing one Vanaheim quickly followed offering their own realm on the condition that other Gods bearing magic be allowed to come and go as they pleased so long as they did not begin outright attacking people unprovoked. Midgard rose to the challenge and said they would accept any being, even those without magic, so long as the reigning rulers could keep the peace. Man, I can't believe I still remember that. That is the kind of history they taught us at Ivermoly. They always found a way to make learning more fun than it should have been at that age."
"Is Ilvermorny another primary school?" Miss. Granger asks gathering the mermish books into her now empty basket while Mr Granger placed the two stack into his.
"Yep, best one in America and ranking number four worldwide." Lord Stark brags.
"And Hogwarts ranks where exactly on the list?" Mr. Granger asks
"I think it's five or six but I would need to check to be certain." Prince Thor says unsure.
"As we have said we are only allowing the children to attend due to family ties to the school. Based on what I've seen of the british magical community this has become more of what you would call a trail run." Princess Loki states leading us down the staircase.