Chapter 20 -
Odin took the group, Jane included once the healers had brought her to them, to a room where the first thing they would've noticed was the rather magnificent and large tree.
"It's beautiful" Harry breathed out as he looked at it, he could see what looked like portals on each branch. He could tell that this was no ordinary tree without even looking at it, he could feel the magic surging through it just like a lot of things in Asgard. "Is that what I think it is?" Harry said excitedly to Thor as he gestured to the tree.
"What is it?" Natasha asked, more than a little confused.
"Yggdrasil, the World Tree" Thor answered "your world is one of the Nine Realms of the Cosmos, linked to each other by the branches of Yggdrasil. There are nine realms, Midgard which is Earth, there are a few others including Asgard where we currently are now."
"You see it basically a tree that binds the nine realms together" Harry simplified. "Is it made of ash?" He asked as he examined it. "I've always heard that it was made of ash?"
"You can have a tour later" Odin said, bringing them back to business "now there are relics that predate the universe itself, what lies within her appears to be one of them. The nine realms are not eternal, they have a dawn as they will have a dusk." Odin spoke as he pulled out a large book and opened it while the others gathered around. "Before that dawn the dark elves reigned absolute and unchallenged."
"When you say elves, you don't by any chance mean little grey things about knee high with floppy ears, wide eyes and a pillow sack for clothes?" Harry asked, everyone turned to him and looked at him as if he had just sprouted three extra heads.
"What?" Jane said eventually, echoing the thoughts of everyone present.
"I had a weird childhood" Harry shrugged.
"No" Odin said eventually.
"No, I promise I did have a weird childhood" Harry replied.
"I meant that they are not small" Odin replied "they are as tall as any man, they have a shape like any man but with long ears. Make no mistake, they were powerful beings when they were alive." Thor looked down on the book.
"'Born of eternal night, the dark elves come to steal the light' I know these stories, mother told us them when we were children."
"Their leader, Malekith, made a weapon out of the darkness and it was called the Aether. While the other relics often appeared in the form of stones, the Aether is fluid and ever changing. It changes matter into dark matter, it seeks out hosts and it draws strength from their life force. Malekith sought to use the Aether's power to return the universe to one of darkness. But, after eternities of bloodshed and horrors, my father Bor finally triumphed against the dark elves, ushering in a peace that lasted thousands of years." Odin finished with some pride in his voice.
"What happened?" Jane asked.
"He killed them all" Odin replied, once again with pride in his voice.
"All of them?" Natasha asked.
"Are you certain?" Thor said to his father "The Aether was said to be destroyed, yet here it is."
"It certainly seems possible for them to be alive" Harry said with a thoughtful look "it's possible those went to hiding, those that did would either be enough for an army or they would breed and increase their numbers."
"The dark elves are dead" Odin said in a tone that clearly stated the conversation was over.
"Are they though?" Harry tilted his head slightly, unfortunately for Odin Harry was probably the only person more suborn than he is. "I mean I came from a world where humans had believed that all the witches and wizards had died out, yet we had an entire country full of them hiding in the same area as them. Most of the time we hid in plain sight as well. I assume that these dark elves have a similar life span to Asgardians, I mean it's possible that they could have gone into hiding, isn't it?"
"I will not be questioned by you!" Odin glared at Harry.
"Fine, Natasha" Harry gestured to Natasha "you question him"
"Is this some sort of joke to you?!" Odin demanded.
"No, it's not nearly funny enough. The same way a king who refuses to even consider the possibility of something being able to harm his kingdom and people merely because he doesn't want to believe it. That is definitely not funny."
"Father" Thor spoke "it is possible for them to be alive. You've always said that a wise king should not seek out war but always..."
"Enough!" Odin shouted "The dark elves are dead! I will not be questioned on this matter by either of you!"
"Sorry to interrupt but does your book mention anyway to get it out of me?" Jane asked. Odin looked at her for all of a second before he replied.
"No, it does not" He said in a voice that showed he clearly wasn't too bothered by the fact.
"Father, we have to do something!" Thor said in a worried voice.
"Perhaps later" Odin sighed "however now is not the time for this. I must go and ready myself for Odin sleep, you will rule in my absence."
"My apologies father but I must refuse."
"What?" Odin turned to Thor with a look that said 'explain now'.
"I have too much on my mind and too many things to do, as of the moment the throne would suit me ill and I would not be able to rule as a good king should."
"So I am to leave the kingdom without a ruler simply because you do not feel like it?" Odin raised an eyebrow.
"There is another option" Thor replied.
"Loki is in prison" Odin reminded him.
"Thank god" Natasha whispered to Harry.
"I was not referring to my brother" Thor said as he looked towards Harry.
"Thor...chose your next words wisely" Harry warned as he quickly realised what Thor was going to say.
"I think Harry should lead in my absence"
"Okay you clearly didn't hear me" Harry muttered.
"The wizard?" Odin blinked with disbelief.
"He is a good leader, I've followed his orders before" Thor replied.
"That was one battle" Harry argued.
"It was one battle" Odin agreed.
"He is a kind man" Thor added.
"That doesn't mean I can rule" Harry argued.
"He's right" Odin agreed again "kindness does not make a ruler"
"I trust he will do a good job." Thor replied.
"Fine" Odin sighed. "I do not have time for this, he will rule but you are responsible for any damage he causes" Odin said to Thor.
"I will be responsible IF he causes damage" Thor countered "I think he will be a great leader."
"Hmm" Odin sniffed and walked off, guards following.
"Thor, forgive my language, but the fuck?!" Harry demanded.
"So are you like the temporary king of Asgard?" Natasha asked.
"Am not."
"Kind of seems like you are." Jane shrugged.
"I am not even an Asgardian!" Harry hissed to Thor.
"It doesn't matter" Thor shrugged.
"Why do I have to rule? I mean why not you?"
"You were in charge of the Avengers" Thor argued.
"That was me in charge of six other people, not an entire kingdom"
"It's only temporary" Thor said, hoping it would make the situation a little better.
"That still doesn't answer the question of why you chose me." Harry reminded him.
"Because you're my friend, I trust you and I know that you'll do your best for the people." Thor replied.
"Fine" Harry sighed "but why not you?"
"Like I told my father, I have too much on my mind" Thor said, Harry couldn't help but notice Thor's eyes glance to Jane for a second.
"Goddamn it" Harry turned to the girls "excuse us for a sec" Harry grabbed Thor and teleported him to the other side of the room before putting a privacy spell around them. "I will ask this one time and hopefully just one time, and you will answer honestly or I will slap your annoyingly perfect face twice, are you doing this just so you can spend time with Jane?"
"No, I..." Thor's answer was interrupted as Harry quickly slapped him on his right cheek and backhanded his left cheek in the space of a second.
"You want to try again?" Harry raised an eyebrow. He wasn't really worried about retaliation, Thor wasn't a prankster and he wasn't the sort of person to attack his friends, plus the slaps were barely stronger than Janes with the strength that Harry used.
"Yes" Thor said in a meek voice.
"That's better" Harry sighed "now as your friend I will go through with this."
"Thank you, I..."
"But do not expect me to like it and if you ever put me in a situation like this again then I will cut off all of your hair. Understood?"
"Yes"
"Good" Harry smiled "now as your wingman, go and have fun with your girl"
"Thank you friend" Thor smiled as he patted Harry on the shoulder and walked to Jane just as Harry removed his spell. "Jane, come with me, I...are you alright?" He asked as he saw her looking at him weird.
"Um...yeah" Jane nodded "let's...let's go" The two walked out with Jane occasionally sneaking glances at Thor.
"Harry" Natasha said to Harry just as he walked up next to her. "Why did we see you slap Thor?"
"He deserved it" Harry shrugged.
"Ah, okay, then why did Thor walk out with purple hair?" She raised an eyebrow.
"I hold grudges" Harry admitted.
"Ha" She snorted "how long until you reckon he notices?"
"Well it could be any..."
"HARRY!" A thundering male voice shouted followed by a musical laughter from a female.
"That was quicker than I expected" Harry smirked. "Now come on, let's...ow!" Harry stumbled forward slightly and began rubbing his head.
"Are you alright?" Natasha asked as she looked for the reason Harry was in pain and saw a branch had fallen from the tree. "It's just a branch, don't be such a baby"
"Baby? Woman, I was attacked!" Harry said dramatically.
"Oh you poor baby" Natasha said sarcastically "I forgot that you had super strength and durability."
"Holy shit" Harry picked up the branch "the branch fell off"
"Maybe you were hit harder than I thought" Natasha said as she rubbed the back of his head "you've started to state the obvious."
"No, don't you get it?" Harry turned to her "This tree is insanely old, unbelievably old! I can feel the magic coming off of it and now a part of it fell off. You know what, let me phrase it another way. Proposition: this is a branch from a magical tree that is as old as can be."
"You made that rhyme on purpose"
"Don't interrupt, now as I was saying, it's full of magic and it belongs to Asgard which is basically owned by Odin. Odin is an old, grouchy man who has pissed me off. Conclusion: I'm definitely having the branch."
"You're stealing it?" She asked, ignoring his particular brand of logic.
"No, I'm going to tell someone I'm taking it. Oi Heimdall, taking the branch" Harry said, holding the branch up in the air. "He can see us anywhere, if he wants it back then he can say so next time we meet him or he can tell somebody else."
"Why do you even want it anyway? I mean, yeah it's an old and magical, but what does it actually do for you?"
"Oh don't worry" Harry grinned as he placed the branch inside his magically expanded pocket, he head to expand the outside as well so he could fit the branch in, once he was done he reverted his pocket back to normal, at least the outside part. "I have a brilliant idea for it."
"I hate you" Thor said once Harry had turned his hair back to normal.
"No you don't" Harry said without any doubt.
"What's happening with Jane?" Natasha asked.
"She's resting" Thor answered "some clothes are being prepared for her in the meantime. Ah here we are." Thor said once they arrived in the throne room. "Allow me to introduce you to my mother" Thor gestured to a woman who was walking towards them. She wore a mixture of silver and blue with a gold breastplate that extended to her shoulder but for some reason only covered the left side. She had long brown hair and looked younger than Odin did, she walked with the grace of a queen and possessed a small smile as she looked at them.
"Thor" She said, smiling at her son. She then turned to Harry and Natasha.
"Mother" Thor said "this is Harry Black and Natasha Romanoff, they are allies and friends of mine."
"Yes, I recall you mentioning them" Frigga said "they fought alongside you in Midgard, did they not?"
"Yes, Natasha is a skilled warrior. Harry is known as Raven, he is also a skilled warrior but he is also a very powerful wizard."
"Really?" She raised an eyebrow at Harry "May I please see an example?"
"Um...okay" Harry nodded "I know this will probably seem childish or simple to you, but how about this?" A second later Harry was replaced with a black raven, the bird flew two laps around the room before landing back in the original spot that Harry is in, it transformed back into Harry. "Yeah, that's just one example of things I can do" Harry said, he did his best to make sure he didn't sound cocky or arrogant, he had enough problems with the king, no need to annoy the queen when she hasn't done anything to him yet.
"Impressive," Frigga said "I've seen more advanced magic but that is impressive for a Midgardian. Are you capable of any other magic?"
"Any and all magic apart from a select few" Harry replied.
"Such as?" She prompted.
"Any magic involving my own soul" Harry replied with a tight smile. She frowned for a second before waving her hand over Harry's body, a second later she gasped and stepped back in shock.
"Mother?" Thor moved closer to check on her, she waved him off and moved back to Harry and waved her arm again, clearly trying to double check the results. She waved it again, and again and again.
"That's impossible" She muttered before turning to Harry "you are no ordinary Midgardian, are you?" She asked, despite knowing the answer.
"Not anymore" Harry answered.
"Was it painful?" She asked softly, looking like she wasn't sure if she hug Harry or not.
"The journey there, yes." Harry responded, his face not revealing anything to the untrained eye, unfortunately for him there were at least two pairs of trained eyes.
"I'm sorry" She said.
"Don't be, in fact I will probably end up apologising to you sooner or later"
"And why is that?"
"I don't think you're husband likes me" Harry said Natasha and Thor's snort told everyone how that was an understatement.
"Mother, is something wrong with Harry?" Thor asked.
"That depends" Frigga said, glancing at Harry.
"What's going on?" Natasha asked, looking at Harry with concern in her eyes.
"I don't have a soul" Harry confessed as he looked at her.
"What?" She said, having not properly processed that statement "I'm sorry, you don't have a soul?"
"Lost it when I became immortal" Harry explained "all living things have a soul, and if you're alive then you need to die at some point. Like I told Odin, I am a true immortal, I can't die."
"Okay, that's fine and all but no soul, so are you like a vampire or something?"
"No, though I have met a few in my time, none of them tried to bite me. Except one...but she was just kinky."
"So Thor" Harry said as he sat on the throne "how long is your father going to sleep for?"
"Uh...well...it varies" Thor replied, Harry looked at him and couldn't help but feel that he looked a little shifty.
"Yeah but a rough estimate, like a day?" Natasha spoke "Two days?"
"It varies" Thor repeated, this time he looked at Harry with an awkward look on his face "it can sometimes take a night, some times it takes more. It usually takes about a week"
"I beg your pardon?" Harry blinked just before his eyes narrowed, if Harry could see himself sitting on a throne and narrowing his eyes at someone below him then he would undoubtedly make a comparison to Voldemort.
"But if it takes more than a week then I shall take over" Thor added quickly, despite knowing that he was stronger he could still easily feel uneasy when Harry looked at him.
"Fine" Harry sighed as he leaned back and resisted the urge to groan.
"Forgive me for stating the obvious, but most would enjoy the opportunity to rule yet you do not." Frigga noted. "Why is that?" She asked curiously.
"I have seen far too many people who shouldn't rule be in charge" Harry replied "it's rather put me off the idea of ruling, those people I saw all thought they were good rulers despite the fact they were not. What if I suddenly view myself as a good ruler when I am not? I also fear corruption, power corrupts and..."
"You fear that you will change" Frigga finished for him. "You fear that you will change for the worst"
"Perhaps it's a bit dramatic, but it is a concern for me. How many rulers throughout time have forgotten the some for the few? I've been one of the people that rulers would gladly sacrifice without giving me the option. How many would gladly do what makes them look good and how many will simply do what's needed to stay in power? How many have become unwilling to part with that power?"
"Your fear is understandable" Frigga replied "but if you are truly considering this then perhaps you are not as unworthy as you think."
"I have a feeling that you're husband will beg to differ."
"Well it can't be all bad" Natasha said "I mean, all you have to do is just sit around and react to situations when they come and it's only for a few days."
"Yes but I am a man of action" Harry protested "at the risk of sounding like a whining brat..."
"At the risk? You're already there."
"I don't like staying still" Harry continued, deciding to ignore Natasha for the time being "if I have to be sat still then I need to be doing something. You know what, I'm going to go for a walk."
"But you're the acting king" Natasha reminded him "you need to be here in case you're...you know...needed."
"Magic says otherwise" Harry grinned as he stood up and made a mirror before placing it on the throne, he made a second and smaller mirror that he put in his pocket. "If you need anything then call my name on that mirror" Harry said to Frigga.
"Ingenious" Frigga commented "I assume it will contact the mirror that you have."
"Yes, it will. My father had a pair when he was younger, he shared it with his best friend so they could communicate when they were apart."
"Hmm, perhaps I can teach you how to make an illusion of yourself" Frigga said as she looked at Harry with a calculative look.
"Those moving ones? Like the ones Loki makes?" Natasha asked. "The ones that can move around and talk like they were real?"
"Who do you think taught him that?" Frigga smiled. "It's merely a question of if you're capable of learning it." She added with a challenging tone, though it was clear that nothing bad was meant by it.
"I hope you realise that the words 'challenge accepted' just appeared in his head." Natasha gestured to Harry.
"Good" Frigga said "after all that I've heard about you and your magical abilities, I have certain expectation."
"That would be awesome" Harry grinned "I am really looking forward to learning about Asgardian magic."
"And you will, but for now I would advise you to go and have that walk of yours. It would be beneficial if you take a look at the palace and meet the people. Thor, if you wouldn't mind."
"Of course not" Thor smiled "but before I do so, Jane is..."
"She will be fine" Frigga reassured him "I will just inform the guards of the mirrors then go and see her."
"Oh, the mother and the girlfriend" Natasha said with a teasing tone.
"Harry, Natasha, meet my friends" Thor said as he took the two to meet the other Asgardians, they were currently in a hall filled with tons of other Asgardians when Thor guided them towards three people. Harry assumed that these were Thor's friends, either that or he had forgotten what they looked like. "This is Volstagg," Thor pointed to a jolly looking man with a big belly and a rather magnificent beard. "this is Fandral" Thor pointed to a blonde man with a beard, he instantly struck Harry as a ladies man, that may or may not have had to do with the fact that two women just got off his lap and kissed him as they walked away. "And this is Lady Sif" Thor pointed to a pretty black haired woman, she wore a black cloak that covered her body, though Harry and Natasha both noticed the silver armour under it.
"Greetings" The three Asgardians said at the same time.
"I wish I could introduce you to Hogun" Thor said to Harry "if he was here then I would introduce my friends as 'Lady Sif and the Warriors three'."
"It's a pleasure to meet you all" Harry said.
"This is Harry and Natasha" Thor introduced the two "they fought alongside me on Midgard."
"Really?" Fandral said as he looked at the two, his eyes on Natasha a little longer.
"Oh yes" Thor nodded "Natasha is an extremely skilled warrior, Harry also. Harry is also a wizard, he lead the battle against Loki. We call him Raven."
"A wizard?" Lady Sif raised an eyebrow.
"Is that a problem?" Harry raised an eyebrow in return.
"Ah, I forgot to tell you" Thor said with an apologetic look "on Asgard magic is considered more..."
"Go on" Harry prompted when Thor trailed off.
"Feminine" Thor eventually spoke.
"What?" Harry wasn't sure he heard that right.
"Well magic is considered an activity for females and fighting is a warrior's activity." Thor explained "I don't agree with it, especially after seeing you in battle, but this is the way people think."
"You have got to be shitting me"
"Don't worry, you're still manly enough for me." Natasha joked as she nudged him.
"Thanks babe but excuse me, magic of all things is considered feminine?" Harry repeated with disbelief. "I've killed people with magic, I can conjure hell fire with magic. How the hell is it feminine?"
"Well, men go and fight" Fandral said with a shrug. "Women go and do magic"
"Then why is she a warrior?" Natasha asked as she pointed at Lady Sif.
"Well Sif has been fighting for a long time" Volstagg replied.
"But you make it sound like only women can do magic and only men can fight" Natasha frowned.
"No, but it is just a more feminine thing to do." Fandral said.
"That's funny because Harry has told me of a spell that can make every single nerve in your body feel like it's on fire, he also told me about spells that instantly kill people if they touch them," Natasha crossed her arms "does that sound feminine?"
"Uh...no" Fandral coughed.
"Perhaps the spell that liquifies your organs? Or boils your blood?" Natasha glanced towards Volstagg.
"Um...no, no" He quickly shook his head as if she was offering to use it on him.
"Hmm, I like this one" Sif smiled as she looked at Natasha.
"I think I've made my point" Natasha said with a raised eyebrow, daring them to argue against her. Asgardians they may be, but cowed into silence was another thing used to describe them at the moment.
"That's why you're the best." Harry grinned as he wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed her on the forehead. "Thank you for defending me against the mean Asgardians." He added with a voice full of mock awe.
"Oh anytime" She replied with her own grin.
"Now let me show you all the wonders of magic" Harry walked forward and waved his hand, three mugs formed in front of them.
"What is it?" Volstagg asked as he, Fandral and Lady Sif picked the mug up.
"It's fire whiskey" Harry answered "And yes Thor" Harry said when Thor looked like he was about to talk, Harry waved his hand again and another mug appeared, this one for Thor. Thor smiled and thanked Harry before taking it.
"Wow!" Fandral exclaimed after taking a quick drink of it.
"That is amazing!" Volstagg exclaimed, after taking drinking the whole thing in one go. He let out a mighty burp that was followed by a burst of fire. Unfortunately for him, his burp was overshadowed by Sif's larger one.
"You said it was called fire whiskey?" Sif asked "Can you make more?" She asked hopefully.
"Of course" Harry smiled, he waved his hand and refilled her mug.
"Us too?" Volstagg and Fandral said at the same time, gesturing with their mugs.
"Tell me boys, what's your opinion on magic?" Harry asked innocently, the two Asgardians shared a glance before they stood up. They got on to their knees and dramatically bowed.
"Oh we apologise" They said at the same time, between the dramatic acting and the synchronised talking Harry was reminded a little of the Weasley twins. "Do forgive us mighty wizard, we will never insult magic again. Fire whiskey now, please?" They ended with a grin.
"I hate you" Harry said, though there was no heat in his voice, amusement if anything. Despite his words he waved his hand and the mugs refilled in all of them
"You've just made friends for life" Thor chuckled as he joined his friends in gulping down.
"Butterbeer?" Harry offered Natasha.
"Yep." She nodded and two seconds later she had a glass full of water that he converted to butterbeer "Thank you, love this stuff."
"That's alright" Harry said as he made himself some butterbeer "I love it too" he said as he took a sip.
"Children!" Volstagg called and three young children rushed over, one boy and one girl. "Meet the wizard!" He said, pointing at Harry.
"Hi" Harry waved at them.
"Well go on then, show them a trick or something." Fandral said, Harry resisted the urge to remind them that he was not a show pony and just decided to do the damn tricks.
"You guys like birds?" He asked the kids.
"Yeah" They nodded.
"We'll play a little game then" Harry said as he handed Natasha his butterbeer "try and find me" Harry raised his hands and ten black ravens flew out of each hand, they circled around Harry for a few seconds before he transformed into a raven and joined them in flight. Everyone watched as the ravens flew all around the hall, the children were looking with an intense concentration.
"That one!" The girl said, pointing to the biggest raven. That raven flew onto her shoulder, he nudged her head with his own before flying to the ground and transforming into Harry.
"Well done, here's your prize" Harry said, he waved his hand and all the ravens in the air transformed into flowers, they all flew into his hand. Harry knelt down and handed them to her "there you go, flowers for a princess."
"I'm not a princess!" She giggled as she took the flowers.
"Hmm, yes you are." Harry replied.
"No I'm not!" She laughed.
"Then why are you wearing a tiara?"" Harry asked as he tilted his head sideways with fake confusion.
"What?" She reached one hand up and gasped when she felt something on her head, she took it off and saw a silver tiara. "This is for me?!"
"I don't see any other princess here" Harry smiled at her.
"But I'm not a princes!" She laughed.
"Yeah but don't tell people that" Harry whispered "just see how much you can get away with first." He winked at her as she laughed and then he turned to the boy who looked about a year older. "How are you?" He sad as he shook the boy's hand.
"I'm fine sir" The boy smiled.
"Strong grip" Harry praised him as he let go "you're going to be a fighter, or you could probably be better and learn magic" Harry added that part with a glare to Fandral and Volstagg, he then looked back at the kid. "Tell me, you like playing catch?" Harry asked.
"Yeah" The boy nodded.
"Well this is for you then" Harry closed his right hand into a fist, he then opened it and a small red ball rested in his palm. He gestured it to the boy, the boy gingerly took it into his own hands and looked at it with a curious expression.
"Why is it so small?"" He said as he threw it up and caught it in his hands.
"Ah, that's because it's a bouncy ball, pass it here," Harry took the ball back "now this isn't a regular ball, this one is designed to bounce more then the average one. Watch this" Harry tossed the ball at an angle, it hit the floor and bounced off of to a table then off of that to Volstagg's nose before hitting the ground again and up into Harry's hand.
"Whoa!" The boy blinked while Volstagg rubbed his nose, not that it hurt but it still felt weird having something bounce off your nose.
"You try" Harry handed it to the boy. The boy nodded then tossed it on the ground, it bounced off the ground and hit the table except this time it went towards Natasha who caught it with her hand.
"Nice try kid" She smiled at him as she tossed the ball up in the air, Harry summoned it to his hand and waved his hand over it.
"There, now it's indestructible so you won't damage it" Harry explained when they looked curious about what he did.
"Indestructible?" Sif asked.
"I've put an unbreakable charm on it, it'll wear off after some years"
"Can I test that out?" Sif asked, drawing a sword.
"Feel free" Harry said, placing it on a table. He then stepped back and allowed her to take a swing at it. The sword struck the ball but instead of damaging it the ball was sent flying and this time it sent the ball flying and bounced off Fandral's head and into Harry's hand.
"Oi, that ball is targeting us!" Fandral exclaimed.
"Man up" Harry rolled his eyes. He then handed it to the boy. "Use this to practise your hand eye coordination. It'll help you no matter what you chose to be."
"Thank you sir" The boy smiled, he and the girl then walked off, talking happily.
"You seem good with kids" Natasha commented.
"They're less irritating than adults"