I'm really really sorry for the horrible cliffy on the last chapter. I'm afraid we need to find out what's going on back on Earth before we go back to find out what happens to Loki and Harry in Chapter 24.

As always, I don't have any claim on either the Marvel or JKR's characters.

When Thor, Tony, Hermione Loki and Harry disappeared into the Convergence, those left behind had little time to worry. Within seconds, they were fighting tooth and nail against a swarm of dark elves.

"Heimdall" called Jane – uncomfortably aware that she and Eric were unarmed and vulnerable, cowering in the trees - "Heimdall! I can guarantee that Malekith won't be coming to Asgard now - but we could really use some help here."

Almost immediately the familiar multi coloured beam of the Bifrost flashed down, extracting Jane and Eric neatly out of the conflict. Stepping out into the Observatory, Jane glared at Heimdall - looking around at the empty space.

"I'm very grateful to you for rescuing us Heimdall, but I must admit I was kinda hoping for reinforcements heading in the other direction."

Heimdall bowed his golden head. "Indeed my Queen; and you if care to look down the Rainbow Bridge, you will see two cohorts of Einjerjar led by the Lady Sif and the Warriors Three. Alas even I am unable to send travelers simultaneously in opposite directions. Aside from the physical difficulties, what would happen if you hit one another in transit? You might be knocked from the stream into the Void.

Jane pondered that thought and nodded. It was not an attractive prospect. When the relief arrived she briefed them quickly. Unsurprisingly they were far more concerned about their missing King, than the three Avengers. Jane was forced to put her foot down.

"Lady Sif, gentlemen. The Allfather and a small company have been sucked through the Convergence with Malekith and the Kursed. This leaves Steve Rogers, Natasha and Dr Banner alone against a small army of Dark Elves. They have to be our first priority. Heimdall and I will attempt to locate the Allfather's group, but in the meantime I have to insist."

Sif, Fandral, Hogun and Volstagg bowed, before stepping into the Bifrost, swords drawn. "Heimdall – when you're ready."

ooo0ooo

Their reinforcements had arrived in the nick of time. Banner had already transformed, and was mowing his way through the elves like a knife through butter, but the sheer volume of numbers was starting to tell. Both Rogers and Natasha were carrying a number of minor wounds and were now fighting – back to back, surrounded on all sides.

The Asgardians charged forward, weapons raised, ploughing into the elves' ranks. Seeing their forces going a little too close to the Hulk, Natasha shouted a warning. When Fandral found himself dangling from a huge green hand she was forced to leave Steve with Sif while she fought her way through the crowds. Even she confessed to a few qualms about approaching the Hulk in full battle mode, but she had to trust the bond between them, for if any harm came to Fandrall, the Asgardians wouldn't hesitate to attack, with potentially catastrophic results for both sides.

"Bruce!" Her scream cut over the sound of battle, bringing the Hulk to an instant halt, frozen.

Slowly he lowered Fandral back to the ground, his green eyes searching for the source of the one voice that meant something to him even in this form. Seeing her he charged forward, lurching to a halt in front of her. A huge hand reached out to her with incredible gentleness.

Natasha put a hand on his cheek – it looked tiny when compared to the size of him. "Come on Big Guy, let's get you out of here – they've got this now..."

The Hulk looked around, the Asgardians had indeed 'got this', with the last pockets of resistance slowly being corralled. Gradually Natasha coaxed him to the edge of the battlefield, out of the main crush.

"Come on Bruce, it's time to go home now..." Reaching into her pack she retrieved the spare clothing which she usually carried for him. So focused was she on the transformation of the man before her that she failed to watch what was going on behind her.

Bruce finally back in his proper form, took the clothing from Natasha, turning away a little to change.

With his focus off the battle, the first he knew of trouble was the cry behind him. He whirled around to see Natasha looking at him, eyes suddenly wide, just before she pitched forward into his arms, a large smoking hole in her shoulder.

"Natasha!"

ooo0ooo

The battle was over, and the field was strewn with bodies. Primarily dark elves, but a small number of Aesir would require return to Asgard for their funeral rites. The bodies of the dark elves were piled to one side for disposal later.

Steve Rogers looked up at the sky above Hogwarts, where the Convergence was gradually fading. "Typical." He muttered. "A once in every five thousand year occurrence and we miss it..." Super soldier he may be, but that didn't prevent weariness gripping every muscle and bone. A plasma burn on his right thigh hurt like hell, and a knife wound on his forehead was bleeding into his right eye. The serum meant that he would heal quickly, but in the meantime what he needed now was a session with the Healers and a long hot bath.

Blinking the blood out of his eye, he scanned the area for Natasha and the Hulk, but couldn't see them. They must have slipped into the trees to allow Bruce transform. To his left, Sif was talking with Fandral in urgent undertones. When Fandral moved away, Sif turned back to Steve.

"Captain" she drew him quietly to one side. "I am sorry, I have some bad news for you. Your friend Natasha – I'm afraid she's been injured. Doctor Banner called for Heimdall, who has taken them back to Asgard, but it doesn't look good I'm afraid." She put her hand on his arm. "We have this under control. Go to your friends, they have greater need of you now."

Steve nodded numbly, stepping away to call for Heimdall, when Sif called him back. "Captain. You and your team fought well today. You made your ancestors proud."

Rogers ducked his head. "Thank you ma'am". Then was gone.

ooo0ooo

With the recent attack and that day's fight the Healing Rooms were still very busy. Steve finally found Natasha in a quiet corner. She was being fussed over by a worrying number of healers, who appeared to be deep in consultation with Bruce. Steve couldn't suppress a smile when he realised that Bruce was seated by her bedside holding her hand. Seeing Steve, Bruce stepped away speak to him.

The two men left the Healing Rooms to stand in the quieter hallway outside.

Steve put a hand on Bruce's shoulder. "How is she?"

Bruce shook his head. "She was shot with a plasma weapon, upper chest, left hand side, from the back. Caused her lung to collapse and considerable internal bleeding. They think they have it under control now, but the next 24 hours or so will be critical."

Bruce slumped against the wall, still barefoot in the clothes that Natasha had given him, he looked wiped out.

Steve looked concerned, "How are you Bruce? I know things were – complicated between you two. That must make this harder?"

Bruce looked bleakly out of a window, studying the tree outside as if it were the most interesting thing in the universe at that moment. "There's nothing going on Steve. I can't get – involved with someone - not like that." He sighed. "But I have to admit that...she's special you know. I know she's beautiful – and that fucking jumpsuit..." he shook his head smiling briefly. "But she's smart too, and kind and strong...and ridiculously loyal to those she cares about."

"You love her.."

"No – I don't think so..." he rested his head against the wall. "I can't Steve. You have to see that."

"Talk to Hermione – once all this is sorted out – or Loki, if Thor doesn't kill him first."

Bruce looked up – eyes wide. "Loki – are you kidding me?"

Steve shook his head. "Just something that Thor said once. About Loki and "the monster inside." I think he spoke without thinking because he wouldn't say anymore, but still... However you look at it, he and Hermione are the poster couple for making a difficult relationship look really easy. But we're not here to talk about Hermione and Loki, we're talking about you two. This is true love Bruce. You thing this happens every day?"

Bruce shook his head. "I'm impressed Steve. Now you're quoting The Princess Bride at me..."

At a distance, they could hear raised voices, one of them unmistakably Thor's.

Steve turned - listening intently. "It sounds as though the others are back. I'll go and check on them." Turning to go, he hesitated. "Bruce, I think you should tell her... if you still have the chance... Look at me and Peggy - you never know."

Hearing loud voices approaching, he hurried off down the corridor, leaving Bruce to return to his vigil at Natasha's bedside.

OK you've all been really patient... here comes THE chapter. MM x