Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story. This is just for fun and I hope you enjoy reading it.
Child of Silence
By Angelwings Sorrow
Chapter 51 "Chase the Rats, Go Cats!"
"King Odin this is unacceptable. We came here with the promise of Peace." The Dwarf ambassador ranted.
"Oh do shut up Gimli. We all knew there was a chance this might happen. King Eitri even sent you with the latest in armor and weapons to detour those who might try and attack; did he not?" Jareth rolled his eyes. The dwarf huffed as he knew the Goblin King was right and could not argue.
"In each realm there are those who look upon these games of peace as the downfall of us all that will lead to Ragnarok. If we let them disrupt this summit then it will be the end of peace as we know it." Odin said his voice carrying over the delegates. "Who ever set the attack upon our warriors had a powerful mage on their side as they hid themselves from Heimdall sight. Loki, you and The Sorcerer Supreme have news of the magic user?"
"Yes All Father. I wish I could say for certain the origin of the seidr user but I can not because they are not working alone. I believe there is a shared alliance among the saboteurs as they are from different realms. There was Jotun seidr protecting the bag, Elvin Mage's medallions, Dwarven weapons as well as Vanir herbs and potions left in the bag by a spy." Loki stood from his seat next to his father's throne to address the room. It was then that Tony brought in the bag Peter found by Harry's crushed tent.
"This is the bag we found. Like Loki said it was left by the spy who was targeting our son. Along with the supplies for sabotage we found maps of the training grounds and markers where the tents are set up." The Prince Consort glared throwing the bag on the table Loki had conjured for the meeting.
"Man of Iron, were there any were there any other clues to the culprits?" Helblindi asked.
"No, but it does not mean that they have given up either. My Son is the most important being in the universe and there is many who would like to see him dead so we his family will be watching everyone more closely." Tony stated giving all the representatives a glare that said he meant business.
"Oh and what could a mortal against those of superior beings?" Thranduil said haughtily. The King of the Elves of the Woods of Alfheim was sent down after Jareth's mother sent word of the attack. Alfheim was divided in to four territories all falling under different seasons The Woods were the elves of Fall, The Waters were Summer elves, The Cliffs were the elves of Winter and the Shire were where the Halflings dwelled was the land of Spring. Each land had a King and the four rulers decided one of them should go and investigate Thranduil volunteered to go as he took the attack as a great insult to Alfheim. Bilbo the King of the Halflings was volunteered by Freyr of the King of the Waters for support. More like diplomatic sacrificial lamb if needed as Bilbo was often over looked due to his size.
"Thranduil these are the Midgardians that defeated a Chitauri Hive. That is no easy task as well you know." Bilbo piped up ignoring the look of distain from his fellow King. "All Father Odin what can we do to help protect everyone in these games?"
"I believe my son Loki had some ideas. My son, please bring forth your plan."
"Thank you All Father. I believe that we can work together and flush out the spies if not we can turn the tables. My Son has two in his group that are very cunning and The Widow and Hawkeye of the Avengers who have espionage experience and can work with your chosen to root them out. These attacks affect the games, which mean it affects us all. We should all work together to bring the traitors in." Loki stated earning a range of looks from understanding to death glares from the delegates.
"I agree. We should each choose among our people who we trust to find these traitors. I offer Krillan for Jotunheim." Helblindi stated and his warrior stepped forward.
"Then I offer my son Prince Legolas." Thranduil glared. The king of the woods hated to be upstaged so he upped the ante with, "As well as Frodo from the Shire."
"Now wait a minuteā¦" Bilbo tried to protest but his nephew was taking his place at Legolas' side.
"It's okay Uncle, I did come with you looking for a bit of adventure." The Halfling smiled.
"Oh very well." The Halfling King agreed but was very upset.
"We will abstain, Prince Loki." A voice to the right said. Every one turned to Lord Njord the Vanaheim delegate. This is obvious an Aesir problem and there for you should take care of it. If your negligence kills one of my warriors then Vanaheim will take it as a declaration of war."
"Helpful as always, aren't you Lord Njord." Gimli sneered. "Well we don't need your help any way. Fili, Kili, get over here."
"We're here to serve." The Brothers stepped forward and bowed.
"Then your group is well gathered. We Fire Giants have no skills in stealth. I will report all to King Surtur." Vulcan stated with nod of his head. No one could blame them from not offering help as Fire Giants Bodies heavy, hard and their blood was literally molten lava, not good for spy work.
"Then we will adjourn for today please return to your rooms and dinner will be brought to you. The warrior assigned to the task of finding the traitor will meet tomorrow here for instruction from Loki in the morning before the games begin. Is that agreeable to all?"
Everyone nodded and bowed before the All Father lifted the privacy spell allowing them all to leave. The hall was emptied but for Loki and Tony who collapsed on the steps of the throne. Both were exhausted from the day's events so they were leaning heavily on each other.
"Are those guys always like that?" Tony asked rubbing his hand over his face.
"That was mild compared to Odin's Realm Gathering to discuss policies, trade and to hear complaints from leaders. Thranduil has always been a major pain in his display of superiority. The Other Kings from Alfheim are much more agreeable. Then there is Lord Njord who comes on behalf of the Queen of Vanaheim. She is even older than Odin and can not travel due to her frail condition but has a sharp keen mind. Often Njord withholds Vanaheim from helping or neglects to tell the Queen of the matters that affects all realms preferring to keep Vanaheim isolated from all others. I literally had to go see the Queen to inform her of the Games as we got no answer to their participation. It is not the fist time I have had to do this either, but in doing so it has earned me favor with the Queen that Njord can not block."
"Yeah he seemed like the asshole type. So not only does Legolas exist but hobbits do too, huh?" Tony smirked.
"Anthony, do not be rude. They are not Hobbits, that was the name Tolkien gave the Halflings as an insult because they are a peaceful species and refuse to partake in his Adventurous Schemes. So he thought write the King and his kin as Adventure seekers trying to ruin their peaceful reputations. King Bilbo is very kind but often is bullied into diplomatic issues that often have him feeling the burnt end of the deals. His nephew Frodo is different and will stand up to those who try and push his Uncle around. He will work well with the group." Loki sighed leaning back on the stairs and staring at the ceiling.
"Bucky's going to be jealous not being able to work with his heroes on this mission." Tony laughed ignoring his husband's eye roll.
"We need spies not assassins on this mission. The group is made up smart intelligent beings from all the realms and this should be solved quick enough. I'm exhausted come on Anthony we need to check on Haraldr before we have our dinner and seek our bed for the night." The god rose from his seat on the throne steps.
"Okay, Reindeer Games you're the Boss." Tony agreed standing with his beloved. It had been a long day and he would love for it to be over. Tomorrow was going to be another long day. He was going to check in on their boy before calling it a night.
XxXxXxXxXx
"Reggie you aren't reading the Map right!"
"Siri stop reading over my shoulder you are making this difficult." Regulus complained to his brother's painted form in the Founder's Study.
"Black, why are you following us? Go back to your Mate and Potter we can handle this from here." Snape sneered and sat in Harry's signature chair.
"It's my map Snivellus, I should be involved in finding the Rat!"
"Siri please behave. Now it seems that the map does not show the founders room unless the map is in the room. The same might be true for The Room of Requipment. So we'll have to check it ourselves. The Map also doesn't show the grounds but it does show the secret tunnels that lead off campus. So we'll have to check these as well but we can see everywhere else in the castle."
"We can check those after curfew and follow the map during the day. The cats can wander the halls freely since school is not in session. I have been called to meet with the Headmaster tomorrow so you'll have to start without me." The Potion's Master accepted tea from the house elf.
"What does the Old Man want now?"
"Apparently we made quite the scene at Breakfast this morning. He wants to hear what it was about. Now I have to do a song a dance to get his mind off Pettigrew. Lucky for me Lucius sent me a letter about a new meeting at Lord Nott's manor to discuss next to prepare for the Dark Lord's return. I could be a nice distraction if I can bring it up."
"They will sadly be mistaken when he doesn't show up. Well at least not the real corpse."
"Yes Kingsley said as much when he first met with the Goddess of Death. I have done some research on shattered souls and it seems the soul shatters when they are not of stable mind when they die and that it takes a Dementor to collect the pieces from the homes or land of their death where anchored themselves to. This is when they happen naturally but what has been done to the Dark Lord has not. I need more resources and until Lokison returns I am limited."
"Can't find the book you need without my Godson's help? What good are you Snape?"
"A lot more useful than you are, Black. All you do is moan and complain and had had nothing useful to add but the bloody map!"
"Please both of you knock it off we are supposed to work together!" Reggie snapped. The two had been arguing since they went to the portrait asking for help. He knew they did not get along but Merlin this was insane they were like dogs going at each others' throats. "This fighting is not helping Harry and his friends. I would like to get this threat removed by the time they return from Asgard."
"He's right Sirius. I am ashamed on how you are acting right now." A voice said softly as they entered the painting that the former young Lord Black was occupying.
"Remy, it's Snivellus!"
"Severus does not deserve this torment we are not longer school children. James was always and even in the Afterlife will always be your Best Friend. Stop trying to trying to keep him all to yourself. I'm sorry Severus, James was a smart child and Sirius was bright but not at James and Lily's level. Sirius was and is scared that he will lose his best friend to someone more intelligent than he."
"What about Loki? He's very intelligent, he wasn't scared of him." Reggie as intrigued by this information. He thought his brother just hated Severus because he was a Slytherin.
"Loki was different." Sirius huffed not liking how his lover was spilling all his secrets. "He was like us and enjoyed a good prank and he truly loved James. I could tell how much they adore each other but it was okay because he was just at the time a summer fling. I had James attention all during school so Loki was safe. Snape was here with us always showing off how smart he was. James admired that and Lily would shower you with praises and I hated you more for it. He was my first friend and I wanted to keep him mine because I lived in a hell hole of a Manor with a shit family and a baby brother I was to weak to protect. James was the small bit of light in my young life and Remy was my heart and soul when I realized that I could actually feel love."
"I love you too Padfoot but it is time to let go of the past. We are no longer among the living. We lived our life and now we're gone. It's not fair for you to torment the living and hold them back from moving forward. Come with me and let us leave them to their work. They will call come to us when they have need of us." The Werewolf took his pouty lover by the hand and began to pull him out of the painting. "Carry on you two I'll make sure he doesn't bother again."
"Thanks Remus, I'll see you later." Regulus waved as the two left the painting to return to their own where James was probably sleeping. "That was enlightening don't you think?"
"Oh yes, I had a horrid childhood because he wanted to keep his best friend. I feel so relieved that my suffering made him feel better." Snape sneered getting up from his seat. "It's been a long day and I want some hours of sleep before I start another long day."
"Severus please can't we at least talk about it?"
"There is nothing to talk about. He said everything perfectly clear. I was a threat to him and he made sure to beat me down first before I even stood a chance. I wish to forget this whole night ever happen and try to start tomorrow as just another day in this farce of a war. Good night Black." Severus stormed out of the room not daring to look back and Regulus could do nothing to stop him. They would eventually have to deal with the Sirius issue if they were ever going to work things out between them but for now it was just too soon and they had a traitor to find.
XxXxXxXxXx
The fields were still a bit of a wreck but with the help of the Giants and Dwarves they were able to clear up the boulders. The tents were relocated and the games would continue but everyone was on guard. Loki and Tony filled Harry in on the meeting of the delegates and the group that was going to investigate the saboteurs. Now Harry had to bring forth his own spies.
"So Harry, why the early meeting?" Daphne asked sitting across from the little Jotun Prince.
"I asked you two here because you both are cunning and smart. My father has formed a group to investigate the attack and find the attackers and you are to join them as my chosen spies. Do you accept?"
"This is very interesting, Lokison. There is never a dull moment around you is there? I'm in; what about you Greengrass?" Chuckled a voice that was hanging in the shadows.
"Of course I'm in, Draco Darling. I can't let you have all the fun." The Slytherin Queen smirked.
"Good Aunt Natasha and Uncle Clint will be here soon to get you two. They will get you back for your event later today Malfoy." Harry said get up and wrapping his Forbearer's fur around his shoulders. He took comfort that it was something physical that he feel the love and care of his family when he could not have them close to him during these games.
"Prince Firsty you're being summoned by the All Father." Fred entered the tent.
"Alright, I'm coming. See you guys on the field." Harry waved good bye to the Slytherins leaving them alone to prepare for their mission.
"So Draco, is his ass burned into you memory yet?"
"Shut up Greengrass. It's not like that."
"Sure it's not, and this is all a dream and the Dark Lord will rise again. Wake up Draco we may be young the heart can see beyond the now and into the future. So maybe now is not your time but maybe later when Harry is free from his burdens you two can see with a clear hearts and enjoy the eternal life." Daphne rose from her chair enjoying the flush that crossed the Slytherins face.
"Whatever, I think you are as Loony as people think Luna is. Now let's grab our gear the Avengers will be here soon." Malfoy turn from the nosy girl and started to gather his things.
"Alright, but we will talk about it later maybe when we're sixteen."
"Sixty is more like it." Draco muttered holding the tent flap open ignoring his giggling housemate; they had some bad guys to find.
XxXxXxXxXx
"Morning Grandfather."
"Morning Haraldr, I know these games had not started off as we had hoped but we will remedy that. I assume your father has told you of his plan?" Odin sat tiredly on his throne motioning for Harry to sit on Frigga's throne. He noticed that Harry was very comfortable in his Jotun skin. He felt pride that his grandson was proud of his heritage and shame in himself for putting Loki in a place to hate the skin he was born in.
"Yes Grandfather. I just finished telling my friends about it."
"Good. The games will begin after the Morning guard change."
"Are you Okay? Grandfather you look tired."
"I am child but the stress has been weighing on me and urging me to go into Odin sleep. I can not afford to do that now with all the Realms watching and your Uncle has improved but is still learning to be a proper ruler. He is not ready for the responsibility. Loki is smart and would make a good stand in but he is tied to Midgard not only because he is married to a Midgard Prince of the realm but for your protection as well. I can't ask Hela she is terribly busy with Niflheim and you are too young to take your place to rule. So I must fight it back."
"Why not let Grandmother rule in your stead? She is wiser than anyone in all the Nine Realms and the leaders all respect her. Her gift of sight will help her make the right decisions. Grandmother is the All Mother and she has supported you for centuries no one will doubt that her word is not your own."
"I will discuss it with her as well as your Father and his siblings. They need to know before we make a declaration to the council and make it law. It will be in effect until Thor is ready to take the Throne. You all have shown me that he still has much growing left to do and I have not taught him well as I should have. Yes there were battles that he showed his power and strength but there were more then just fighting to be done. Your father was the diplomat that soothed over the aftermath of the wars creating treaties. I foolishly thought your Uncle would be a part of those talks and negotiations but it was your father who reported to your Grandmother on their return. Frigga would tell me of the deals that were made by Loki's Sliver tongue. I was proud of your father but also disappointed that he didn't insist that Thor be there to partake in negotiations."
"That is because I wanted to celebrate my Victories rather than listen to talk of laws and treaties. Now I see that is was wrong of me to foster the duties on to Loki." Thor entered the throne room with Loki be his side.
"And I should have insisted that Thor stayed but I knew he could not hold his tongue as to listen to others talk. I didn't want him to start another war and would let him go and feast the night away." Loki confessed as they approached Harry and Odin.
"So it was a failing on all, for all lessons to be learned then." Harry accepted.
"So what brought on this chat Haraldr are you think of ruling Asgard?"
"Not on you life father, there is too much drama here. I was thinking about Grandmother ruling when Grandfather goes into Odin Sleep." The brothers looked to their father with worry in their eyes.
"Now don't look at me like that I am not going to drop asleep at this moment, but stress has made me tired. I am alright for now so Haraldr and I, were talking on who should rule while I was in Odin Sleep. He suggested that your Mother should rule as the All Mother should with my support." Odin explained and his sons actually looked pleased with the idea.
"That was a brilliant idea Father. She is always wise and fair." Thor beamed.
"I agree and I am sure Hela will agree as well. Mother already knows the comings and goings in Asgard and is well liked throughout the Realms. She is the most sensible choice as Thor is not ready, I am on Midgard and Hela has her own Realm to worry about. Haraldr is right to choose Mother." Loki reasoned earning a bright smile from his son.
"Since you all seem to be in agreement here we shall discuss this with your Sister and Mother after the evening feast and I will call a council session tomorrow morning."
"Good that is settled, Father the games are about to begin now and everyone is waiting for you."
"Thank you Thor. Let's begin the procession and best luck to you all My sons." Odin rose with Gungnir in hand. They all saw how much older the All Father looked as he slowly descended the steps. They knew his time was coming to an end maybe one more century if he was lucky. Thor knew that he would have to put more effort in to learning his future role as King of Asgard. Than he would be asking Loki to tutor him in lessons he should have learned long ago. Loki knew that he would have to work harder to make peace with the man who was his father above all else blood included. Harry would have to enjoy what little time left he had with his only grandfather before he lost another love one to time and death.
XxXxXxXxXx
"Severus, I must say I am surprised at the arguments you and Regulus have been having. These disagreements have been upsetting the students."
"I am sorry, Headmaster. We have been trying to keep a civil tongue in public but he is a difficult man to deal with." Snape sat before the old man keeping his Occlumency Shields up as he felt the clumsy probing attempts from Albus.
"Well I hope you will try harder from now on. Do you know where Potter is? I have not seen him at meals."
"He left for the muggle world for Spring Break to be with his parents."
"Why didn't you stop him? Those muggles are not his parents. He needs to stay here and learn to fight Voldemort," Albus hissed.
"Headmaster I can not stop him from leaving. The Goblins have verified his guardianship you can not fight it. The Muggles that were once his family, have not returned their home so there is no place for him to go if he were to return to your care. Plus the boy doesn't trust you."
"It is your job to make him trust me or we will lose this war!" The headmaster snapped.
"Knock Knock!"
"Enter,"
"I'm sorry to interrupt Headmaster but the Aurors are here they have reports that Peter Pettigrew is in Hogsmeade they want to talk to you about Recent Hogsmeade visits." Professor Sprout said entering the room.
"Thank you Pomona I shall be there shortly. Severus you may go, keep an eye out for anything that might help the Aurors in their search." Albus dismissed the Potion's Master watching him leave with the Hufflepuff Head of House.
"Oh Albus, it looks like they are closing in on your spy."
"The Boy was never good for anything useful. I had hoped that he would find Potter's hiding spot." The headmaster stood from his seat pulling a wand from his pocket then placing it in warded box next to his Special Music Box before taking his original wand.
"The Boy is a lot smarter than you give him credit for Albus. I keep telling you that but you will not listen to me. The Rat is no match for him and the gods that protect him. Let him be caught and let this madness end."
"You are right, but you are only half right. Peter was a failure and he'll be caught and punished. So I will put my efforts toward next year when my Plans for Potter and this war will flourish. You will see, I will have this world eating out of my hand."
"No you won't but I will be here when you want to talk to someone who sees reason." The voice taunted but Albus ignored it he had Aurors to entertain and a rat to obliviate.
XxXxXxXxXx
"Mew," Gigi rubbed her head against he big brother. He had been moody since the rat had disappeared.
"Reow," Shadow grumped as they walked the halls.
"I take it you two have had no luck." Regulus gave them a sympathetic smile.
"They are cats Black of course they are upset at missing their dinner." Snape sneered. "Enough with familiars, Kingsley is here. Today is the day we flush out Pettigrew. Rodbards is meeting the headmaster now at Minister Bones request. That will keep Albus busy for now so we must work fast."
"We have only one tunnel left it's at the base of Whomping Willow. Now we know it leads to the Shrieking Shack but Remus said that half way through there is a hidden door that leads to the caves below the lake that has an underground hot spring. Remus sometimes used it after transformations to help heal his injuries. That is the only place left we haven't checked because the door is well hidden by password. 'Healing waters.'"
"Good let's end this I am tired of running around in circles. Lead the way Black."
"Roar!"
"Meow"
"Oh fine you two come along." The Potion Master rolled his eyes before turning down the Hall. The Jinxes were hot on their heels. Finally they would capture the rat. Shadow doubt that they would let them eat the traitor but they could have a grand chase. His little sister agreed as mischief filled her eyes.
The Two Slytherins went out the back and pass the quidditch pitch. Regulus immobilized the willow and they entered the tunnel with their wands lighting the way. It was Gigi who found the door catching the smell of the rat that stopped at the door. Shadow began to growl as he picked up the scent.
"There's no doubt now he's there. You ready Severus?"
"Just open the door Black we'll deal with whatever the cats leave as leftovers."
"Right, Healing Waters." The Door opened and the Cats ran in. Soon there was screaming and roaring as Shadow took a larger form chasing Pettigrew around the cave. The Frighten Gryffindor managed to escape the cave but was not out of the sight of the flying jinx. Gigi let the man think he got away before she pounced from the sky. Peter tried escaping by taking his rat form but he was caught in the jaws of the silver jinx. One wrong move and the cat would kill him with her powerful jaws.
"Roar!"
"Now, now Shadow, Gigi caught him fair and square. Next time we have a villain in the castle I am sure you'll get him." The DADA Professor soothed the grumpy cat.
"I believe Lokison needs to work on his training. Filius has trained his familiar well." Snape praised Gigi as he took the rat into a spelled cage.
"Ignore him Shadow you both were brilliant. Now let's go find Kingsley before the Dementors find us."
"I have a feeling now that Pettigrew is caught they won't remove the creatures."
"Why do you say that, Severus?"
"Because Albus told them that they were need for protections as there were Death Eater sympathizers in the area. He pleaed for safety of the children and Amelia can't deny his request as he had the backing of the School board." The Potion Master glared at the ground as they made their way to Hogs Head Inn where the Auror was waiting for them.
"Then will have to have Harry ask his scary and powerful Aunt to take care of the ones that are lingering by."
"You really are arrogant to think the gods would come calling just because you ask them too."
"Oh not me Sev, but I have a feeling they will for Harry. I could tell when I saw them interact, that he is the apple of their eyes and would do anything to keep him safe. So if we ask nicely I'm sure they will take care of the dark creatures plaguing their boy." Regulus smiled brightly.
"You are a fool." The taller Slytherin hasten his pace trying to hide the blush blooming on his cheeks from that beautiful smile. 'And I am a fool that still loves you.'
A/N: Well I am now recovered from my accident but there was a whirlwind of activity soon after I was up. I have been trying to sort out the Plot Bunnies ramblings and managed to get out a chapter. Hopefully I can get more out soon but Real Life has had me cutting back, but never fear I will not give up. Thank for Reading Keep Reviewing, Plot Bunnies need food.
