(Headmaster's Office, Hogwarts. )
Harry and Ron stood in front of Professor Dumbledore's desk, he'd just informed them that they had violated a number of rules and he had sufficient cause to expell both of them. Harry felt a wave of relief as the elder professor informed them that instead, they would both be receiving commendations for special services to the school. Harry had expected to be in trouble, not treated like a hero. Somewhere in the back of his mind he heard Astrid's faint voice reminding him that he was a hero, and he should enjoy the glory as a reward for the toil.
Ron stood listening first with a sinking feeling, and than an elated pride at the rewards he and Harry were given. It didn't take Ron long to decide that his part here was over, he set off to look for his family, but not before an odd chill went through him.
Harry stayed to talk to Dumbledore, he still had lingering doubts about what house he belonged in, his parseltongue ability, and the sorting hat's argument last year still rang in his head. He'd decided to ask about it, and after the professor explained the differences between him and Riddle, Harry refused to use that silly made up name any longer, the professor suggested he examine the sword he'd used against the basilisk. Harry had been shocked to see the name Gryffindor across the noble blade, maybe he was a true Gryffindor after all, maybe he could be both, maybe brave and cunning were a good combination. Harry decided that he'd think on that, that was probably something to talk to his new allies about, Thor was certainly brave, Loki was cunning, maybe he could learn to use both.
Thor and Loki stood invisible in Dumbledore's office with Astrid, they had listened with growing anger as Dumbledore informed the boys that they'd broken the rules, and severely enough to be expelled.
"What were they supposed to do, let the girl die?" An angry Thor said as he turned to Asrid who was spared a response by Loki's laughter at the professor's next words, and the looks of relief on the faces of the boys.
"Ah, a bit of a prankster it seems, I like him." Loki said to his companions. Astrid rolled her eyes, and Thor let out a chuckle.
After the redhead left, Thor and his companions listened to the conversation their champion was having with his headmaster. For his own part Thor had no doubts about the boy's bravery, cowards do not pull a venomous fang from their own arm and slay an enemy with it, especially while mortally wounded. Asrid had actually seen the boy in battle against an enemy far beyond what most mortals could handle, Slytherin or Gryffindor this boy was among the bravest she'd ever seen.
Thor examined the beautifully made sword on the desk, he decided that Harry needed his own sword as soon as possible, he couldn't rely on a mythical creature to bring him a magical artifact to pull a sword from for all of his battles. No, as beautiful as the sword of Gryffindor was, it wasn't Harry's sword.
" It really is beautiful though. " Thor said to himself.
"What did you say?" Astrid asked half turning to the thunder god.
"Oh, I said the sword is beautifully made." He responded
"It is a nice sword, and he certainly used it well." The valkyrie stated admiring the Goblin forged blade.
"It's not his though, we'll need to take him to the smiths in Aflheim soon to get his own. " Thor said.
" The girls too, they'll need weapons and armor once they remember who they are." Asrid responded
" Who is that? " Thor said as his train of thought was interpreted by the arrival of a man with long blond hair and a small creature who looked worse for wear.
Harry Potter watched as Lucius Malfoy walked into the professor's office as if he owned it, he was only half listening to the conversation between the platinum blond and the headmaster. Harry was focused on Dobby, the little creature looked terrified, and it tore at Harry's heart to see him in such a state. The back and forth verbal fencing continued, while Harry wracked his brain trying to figure out what he could do to help Dobby. Suddenly he felt a cold chill as the tall man's eyes drilled into his own, and a cold snear adorned Malfoy's face. Harry decided that he wouldn't flinch, he wouldn't be intimidated, he killed a basilisk with a sword, saved Ginny's life, faced Tom Riddle yet again, and on top of that he was the champion of Valhalla. He was a warrior and he was going to act like it.
"Well, let us hope that Mr Potter will always be around to save the day. " Malfoy's cold and sarcastic voice actually irritated Harry, that arrogant son of a bitch, Harry thought, but didn't say.
"Don't worry, I will be." Was his response instead, Thor felt a burst of pride in the boy, no not boy, young man.
"Did you hear that? Did you hear him put that arrogant son of a bitch in his place?" Thor said to his companions.
"I told you he was brave" Asrid said, while Loki simply smirked.
Harry watched as Lucius Malfoy left the office with as much dignity as he could manage, it wasn't much in Harry's estimation.
"Sir, may I borrow that?" Harry asked, indicating the diary, as a sudden idea came to him. At Dumbledore's nod Harry picked up the dairy and ran after the departing dark wizard, stopping only long enough to place one of his socks in the diary.
"Mr Malfoy! Mr Malfoy! " Harry hollered and when the wizard in question turned, Harry shoved the diary in his hand.
"That's yours, you put it in Ginny's cauldron that day in Diagon Alley, didn't you? " Harry said with very real anger, and to his surprise he felt energy as it seemed to arc just under his skin, it was like nothing he'd ever felt before but he liked it
"Well why don't you prove it." The blond said with a growl as he tossed the diary to Dobby, and turned on his heel storming off.
Thor watched the second conversation with intrest, the boy was certainly brave, and he'd gained even more respect from Thor. There was a moment of shock as the small creature found the sock. At this Loki cracked up laughing.
" Oh now that was clever, maybe he really should have been a Slytherin! " Loki said through his laughter. Everyone froze in disbelief at the next sequence of events. Malfoy in a rage pulled his wand and cast a killing curse at Harry, instead of dodging the green curse, Harry suddenly flashed with energy. Harry stood, eyes glowing with blue energy, as lightning arced over him and into the ground and walls, an intimidating sight, as the curse struck him full force in the chest. Harry stood, unmoved as the curse suddenly scattered against him like water hitting a solid object, without warning Malfoy was lifted into the air by an invisible hand and thrown into the ceiling, landing in a heap with a thud at Harry's feet.
"Be warned, I won't always be so merciful." Harry said his voice far deeper then normal as he stood over Malfoy. Lucius Malfoy retreated as fast as he could, and Harry looked down at the little house elf, Harry knew he'd gained a friend. Thor beemed in pride as the three made their way back to Valhalla, that was a magnificent display of power.
(Great Hall, Hogwarts, leaving feast )
Harry sat next to Ron and Hermione, she had returned to them onlya few minutes ago, it felt to him like a part of him that was missing had been restored. The trio sat filling Hermione in on what she missed while she was petrified. Harry told her much the same story he'd told the headmaster, he'd tell her the rest after he had a chance to speak with Odin or Thor about it, he thought it would be ok to tell her everything, after all he certainly trusted her, but he'd still like to make sure it was ok with them first.
Hermione sat enjoying the feast and conversation, she was still a little upset that the exams had been cancelled, however, she was also a little relived. Hermione loved learning, but she had to admit that even she would be hard pressed to cram enough to pass the exams after all the time she missed. Hermione had listened in shock as Harry described the battle in the Chamber of Secrets, she knew he wasn't telling absolutely everything, but figured he would in time if it was important. Hermione was so caught up she barely noticed a familiar but distant presence in her mind, almost a feeling of deja vu. In the corner of her eye she caught a very brief glimpse of something before it faded away, it was so brief she wasn't certain she saw it, but the familiar feeling vanished with it. Hermione never fully saw Astrid as she stood watching her with a smile. Asrid left in a flash, now she was certain of the girl.
"That's three" she said as she left.
(Next day, Hogwarts express )
Harry and his friends sat in their compartment as the train left Hogsmead Station, the conversation was light and friendly, little did Harry know that his relatives had gotten an interesting visit the day before.
(Number 4, Privet Dr, Little Whining, Surrey,one day earlier )
Petunia Dursley was normal, her husband was normal, and her handsome son was normal, however, her world of normalcy would end tomorrow and for the rest of the summer. Tomorrow that train of freaks would arrive at King's Cross, and her freak nephew would return to spoil her normal life with his freakishness. Petunia heard the doorbell and walked to the living room to answer it, she was shocked to see a man and woman she'd never seen before standing at her door. Regarding the stangers she almost shut the door on them telling them she wasn't interested, but something about them told her that would be a great mistake. The man was very tall, with redish blond hair, a red beard, and sharp green eyes, the woman was tall, not quite as tall as her companion, but above average. Her hair was a light blond, she had piercing green eyes, a lovely face and shapely figure combined to round out her beauty. Petunia felt an instant jealous dislike of the beautiful woman. She must be a tart, Petunia decided, yes a tart, one she wanted gone as soon as possible.
"Please come in." Petunia said with a forced smile, she didn't know who they were, but she knew she wasn't going to enjoy this. She lead them to her living room where her husband sat reading the paper.
" Thank you Mr Dursley." Thor said in his rich baritone. After everyone was seated and refreshments offered and declined Thor got down to business.
"My name is Thor, during the school year I and my associates become acquainted with your nephew. " Thor said, and Petunia had a sinking feeling, they were either freaks or had children who were .
"Now, we've been impressed by his character to the point that he's agreed to do a special project for us." Sif said, and Petunia felt her dread turn to anger.
"Just a moment, you're like him aren't you? " Petunia asked, a touch of venom in her voice, and Vernon's face began to turn purple, much to the amusement of their guests.
"Do you mean are we a wizard and a witch?" Thor asked his amusement showing to Petunia's confusion. She nodded.
"No, I'm not a wizard, and my wife is not a witch." Thor responded smiling, he was going to enjoy this, they well knew what the Dursleys had been doing to Harry, well no more.
"Your nephew was in an incident this past year, he died fighting to save a girl's life." Sif said, her voice soft, no anger showing yet, that made Thor nervous.
"We sent him back on a mission for us, my name as I said, is Thor. I am the son of Odin of Asgard, this is my wife lady Sif." Thor said, leaking a bit of power .
Petunia felt a shiver at their power, she should have dismissed it, Thor, Odin Sif, and Asgard were all myths, not real. This was impossible, her nephew had died and been sent back, preposterous. She almost tossed them out then and there, but every instinct she had agreed that would be a fatal mistake. The woman's next words chilled her to her core.
"We know how you've treated your nephew, but no more! We'll not have our champion treated in such a way, especially when he's willing to lay down his life for another. He is going to be working to save not just this world but many, this disgrace ends now." Sif's normally sweet and musical voice now only contained steel and death.
"Now see here!" Vernon started to respond, but a look from Thor shut his mouth.
"The safety and upkeep of your nephew is no longer in your hands, he is no longer your servant, and we will see to his wellbeing. " Thor said, all good humor gone, here was the thunder god, pure power and wrath, and he was angry, very angry. Vernon's eyes rolled up in his head and he slump in his seat.
"Harry must stay in this house, more for your sake than his, but he insisted on protecting you too. So Harry's room will be sealed by us, we will provide his meals, and anything else he needs, you will have no unnecessary contact with him after he returns, am I clear.?" Thor said with cold steel in his voice.
"Y Yes." Petunia's voice barely a whisper, she could manage nothing else.
Sif made her way upstairs to Harry's room, and enlarging it she proceeded to vanish the contents of the cold squalid room. She would store it, for now incase Harry wanted anything that was in there. Sif vanished the bars on the window with a feeling of rage, Harry wouldn't suffer like that again. She replaced his small metal bed with a much larger bed of wood, carved with animals and runes. She gave his new bed a comfortable mattress, with plush blankets and furs befitting a warrior of Asgard. Sif added a wooden table with four comfortable chairs for him and his ladies. The desk was replaced by something nicer, and she decided that the walls should be decorated with rich tapestries and the banners of his houses. Sif regarded her work, something was missing, she added an enchanted firepit to finish, and was finally happy with the room. Harry's new room was warm, cozy, and everything Harry deserved it to be. After she finished the two Asir left Privet Drive satisfied with their work, but still feeling the need for retribution against a certain family of mortals. They decided that right now retribution would have to wait, Harry and his mission were more important, but satisfaction would come one day, and the account with the Dursleys would be settled.
( Platform 9 3/4, Kings Cross, London, the next day)
Harry said goodbye to his friends with promises to write, as he spotted his aunt and uncle, he made his way towards them. They seemed almost afraid and not a word was spoken as they made their way to the car. As they drove away from the station, Harry watched the sky, a sense of uneasiness he associated with the summer came over him as the car moved along . Another great summer he thought to himself as he closed his eyes and hoped for the best .
...
Hermione sat in the back seat of her father's car, telling her parents all about her school year, as the family of three made their way home to Crowley. Hermione decided that mentioning that she'd been petrified by a giant snake probably wasn't a good idea. Telling her parents that her best friend had killed it with a sword probably wouldn't go over either, but Hermione hated keeping things from them. Hermione still hadn't settled it in her mind as they arrived home, she'd have to figure out how to tell them, but she had no idea how.
...
As the sun set over England, three other girls began their summers, each had no idea that events were now in motion that would change their lives in radical ways. A young redhead arrived home to her grateful family, relived to still be alive. Across the country, a young blond resigned herself to a boring summer of learning the family business from her father. Meanwhile, in a palatial mansion in the country side, a young raven haired girl sat on her bed, fear and dread filled her, because of the demands that the platinum blond man were making of her father. She felt tears in her eyes, and she began to shake, she knew what the father had demand from her father, and she knew what the son would demand of her. The young girl knew what she would have to do next school year, she knew if she didn't, the platinum blodlnd would kill her family.
"Please" she begged to the empty room. "Somebody help me, please "
"Soon child, " Astrid whispered, tears in her eyes, unseen, and unheard. "Soon"
(Author's Note)
Thus ends the school year and so begins summer, next chapter the girls get more screen time, and there's more action. Just a warning, there will be deaths in the next chapter, and it's a little bit graphic, but still rated T.
