(Valhalla, 6th day of summer break)

The thump of wooden sword against wooden shield, along with light friendly banter filled the training room as Thor taught Harry how to use a shield in combination with a sword. Harry felt a solid impact against the shield he was holding as he intercepted Thor's sword, they'd been busy training in weapons for most of the day, or rather night. Harry was still trying to get his head around the fact that he was currently asleep in his new bed. To say that Harry had been pleasantly surprised at his new room would be an understatement, what he expected and what he'd found when he got home were two radically different things.

...

Harry had arrived at number 4 Privet Dr with his aunt and uncle late in the evening after his trip on the Hogwarts Express, dread had filled him most of the trip back, and he noticed that Hermione, Ron, Ginny and Neville kept glancing at him as the train made its way from Scotland to London. Harry supposed that he wasn't very good company, but his mind kept going over the what his aunt and uncle were going to do to him when he got back. To say that Harry hadn't left Privet Dr under the best of circumstances would be grossly understating the point. Harry wondered, not without some amusement, if his uncle was still picking holly berries out of his ears. The thought of uncle Vernon's nose dive into the shrubbery almost caused Harry to smile, if not for the certainty that his uncle would be paying him back in spades for it. Aunt Petunia, and especially uncle Vernon had been unpleasant to say the least after his arrival home last year, this year they were sure to want some payback for his midnight exit after the pudding incident.

Harry had wanted to ring Dobby's neck for that, and that was before his antics during the year, but he just couldn't stay mad at the little elf. He hoped Dobby was ok, there wasn't any way he was going to leave Dobby in the hands of that overgrown arrogant ponce Malfoy, at least that went right. Harry couldn't quite figure out how he had survived yet another killing curse full on, but it had splashed off him like so much water. The memory of Malfoy's face as Harry levitated him hard into the ceiling, and the satisfying thud his landing had produced did cause Harry to crack a brief smile, fortunately neither his aunt nor uncle noticed. Harry guessed that that was what Odin meant when he said they would grant him the powers of an Aesir. Harry decided that he liked it, really liked it, just maybe he would survive against Riddle. Harry only hoped that he would survive the summer with his relatives, and it was that fear that weighed heavily on his mind.

The entire ride with his aunt and uncle had been as silent as he had been on the train, Dudley was still at Smeltings for another few days, so it had just been the three of them. Their arrival home had been just as silent as the drive, Uncle Vernon had pulled up in the driveway, exited the car, and gone inside followed by Aunt Petunia without so much as a word. Harry had gotten his trunk, and Hedwig's cage out of the boot and walked into the living room. Uncle Vernon was setting in front of the telly, not acknowledging him at all, and his aunt simply pointed up the stairs. Harry took that as his instructions and made his way to his tiny room, it was sort of uncomfortable but a vast improvement over a cupboard and a cot. Dread filled Harry as he made his way up the stairs, what ever they planned to do to him, he doubted that the silent treatment would be the end of it. For the first time he could remember, Harry wished that they'd insult him, or order him to work like a house elf, a little normalcy would be welcome, the silence was actually scaring him.

Harry had walked in, and for a moment thought he was back in Valhalla, the room seemed much larger than he remembered, and everything was different. Harry couldn't believe it, as he surveyed the warm and cozy room, a far cry from the cold and barren room he had been rescued from. There was a fire burning in a firepit in the center of the room, and since when did he have a table and chairs in his room? The bed, oh that wonderful looking bed, it was much larger, with furs and thick blankets, he couldn't wait to try it. The desk was larger and had not one but four chairs that reminded him of Odin's throne, only smaller, that would be the perfect place to get work done. Turning his attention to the other side of the room, Harry could see that there were also four chairs and a large plush settee by the firepit. Harry was beginning to notice a common theme, four seats at the table, three in front and one behind his desk, four chairs by the fire, and room for four on the settee. Harry decided that at the moment that he wasn't quite old enough to wonder if there was room for four in his new bed.

Harry's surprises didn't end there, he found a note in beautiful hand writing on his desk, picking it up he read.

'Harry, Thor and I paid your aunt and uncle a visit the other day. We have come to an understanding with them about your summer plans, and after we expressed our displeasure at their past treatment of you, they were quite agreeable to our terms. Your aunt was anyway, your uncle was unconscious at the time, I think Thor's irritation was too much for him. Our terms were very simple, and are as follows, you will no longer be treated as a servant by the Dursleys, they will not abuse you in any way, indeed unless absolutely necessary they will have no contact with you at all. Considering that you will be spending most of your time in your room, and your old room wasn't suitable for a prisoner, let alone our champion. I have decided to update and improve your living conditions, a hero should at the very least be treated as a person, not livestock. As per our arrangement with your relatives all of your meals and other needs will be taken care of by us, to this end we've contacted your friend Dobby who was only too happy to help. If you have need of anything, all you have to do is call for Dobby. If you have questions or if you need something that Dobby cannot help with, remember that we are always listening, and will always be there for you.

Your friend and ally, Sif of Asgard.

P.S. Your mother and father say hello, and wanted to remind you that they love you and are proud of you.'

Harry had felt tears at the letter, it had only been a few days since he'd seen his parents in Valhalla, and he'd see them again tonight when he went to sleep, but it was a strange and wonderful feeling to hear that he was loved, and that there were adults who had his best interests at heart, adults who would be there for him. Harry's tears fell as he sat by the cosy fire. After about ten minutes he decided he was hungry, so he called for Dobby.

" The Great Harry Potter Sir called for Dobby?" The little elf said after appearing with a pop.

"Hi Dobby, so you're going to be here with me all summer? " Harry said.

"Oh yes, Dobby be looking after the Great Harry Potter all summer and after. The Thunder Man and Thunder Man's wife, Lady Wheat Hair asked Dobby to be Harry Potter's house elf, they says Harry Potter's nasty family is to be leaving him alone, so Dobby will bring food, and clean, and help Harry Potter Sir." said the excited little elf, his giant eyes alight with energy and happiness. Harry decided to ask Dobby for some dinner, and took a seat at the table. Harry was slightly disappointed to find that Dobby brought pumpkin juice and not that wonderful mead from Valhalla, but Dobby told him that Thor and Sif had said he was too young to drink it in Midgard, he would have to wait until he was older, but he could still have it in Asgard.

Harry finished his meal, it had been an amazing steak pie, as good as any Hogwarts feast. Getting up he saw the table suddenly clear, and a cup of hot cocoa apear on it. Taking his hot cocoa, Harry decided to go ahead and unpack, but found that Dobby had taken care of it, his clothes were in the closet, and his books were on a bookshelf by his new desk that Harry didn't notice earlier. Shrugging Harry sipped his cocoa as he looked over his books, he decided to go ahead and read a chapter of his defense book from first year, given the standard of teaching it seemed like a good idea to make sure he remembered the basics. Harry read his book and drank his cocoa until it was time for bed. Harry put his book away, and quickly got ready for bed. The bed was even more comfortable than Harry thought it would be. Harry quickly drifted off and found himself in Valhalla.

...

Harry swung his sword at Thor and with a loud thump Thor's shield stopped the practice blade, just before a blow from Thor's wooden sword knocked Harry's sword from his hand. After six days of training Harry had hoped to be a bit better at this.

"Not again." Harry groaned under his breath, as his sword clattered to the stone floor. .

"That's enough for now, you're doing well, do not be discouraged, I've had centuries of practice." Thor said handing Harry's sword back to him.

"Anyway you have your accomplishments as well, you're no ordinary 12 year old. " Thor said putting a hand on Harry's should, leading him from the training room.

"Well, I did kill a seventy foot venomous snake." Harry said with the proud smile at the large man.

"Indeed you did, but if you want some advice, next time you tell the story the snake was ninety feet long, and it could breath fire." Said the big man with a wink as they made their way to the hall for a visit with his parents.

...

Lily Potter had just returned from a quick mission, to Midgard. Walking through the gates, she received a salute from other warriors as she passed, still in her valkyrie armor she made her way to the hall. Her husband and son should be there soon if Thor didn't keep Harry training all night, she felt a rush of pride at the two brave men she loved so much. James had taken to his position as an einherjar with as much enthusiasm as she had at becoming a valkyrie. This was something they both enjoyed and took great pride in, they had died in battle against an overwhelming evil, and now they were themselves considered some of the best warriors in Asgard. Lily had earned a great deal of respect for her exploits on the battlefield, as had James. Lily could also say in complete honesty that she and her husband made a difference in the universe, they had saved many lives in their time here, and to her that was what made her work fulfilling, she knew James felt the same way, it was ironic that it was after they died that they found their true calling, she never felt more alive. Spotting Harry and Thor entering the hall she decided to go change into her normal robes before joining them.

Harry spotted his mother as she entered the hall, no longer in her armor, and sat beside them after giving him a loving hug.

"So Harry, tell me about school." Lily said loading her plate with her favorites, the food was always excellent and always available, something she loved about being here, her work was fulfilling and there was always a feast going on. Lily listened with rapt attention as her son filled her in on his time at Hogwarts, and his friends. Lily couldn't help laughing at how Harry caught his first snitch, but she had to stamp down her anger when she heard how the Weasley boys rescued Harry from her shrew of a sister, and that walrus she called a husband. Lily decided that she needed to talk to Frigga and Sif, she knew they were planning on going with Astrid to explain things to the girls and their families after they got their memories back tomorrow. Lily decided that she would be going to the Weasleys at the very least, she had some words and a hug for Molly for taking care of Harry. Lily wasn't sure about the other families, but she knew she would be welcome to go to talk to the rest of them if she wanted. Lily knew that those girls were about to become some of the most important people in her son's life, three would be her daughter in laws one day, but she would have to remember to remind Harry not to forget about his other friends like Ron, and Neville.

"You know, some of those girls used to be valkyries like me?" Lily told her son as she took a sip of the ale she preferred to mead.

"I know mum, they're really have good friends too, Hermione especially, she's really brave and scary smart. Um, mum?" Harry asked looking a bit nervous.

"Yes sweetheart?" she responded waiting to hear what was troubling her son.

"Do I really have to get married to three of them?" He said, not particularly thrilled at the idea. Harry still wasn't sure about girls, and being married.

"Yes I'm afraid so, but not for awhile yet. Don't worry too much, when the time comes you'll be happy to do it." Lily responded with a reassuring smile as she smoothed his hair with an affectionate hand.

"Well, I hope Hermione is one, she's a good friend, and kind of pretty too, for a girl." He said with a little nervousness.

"What about Ginny? She's pretty cute, powerful too." Astrid said as she joined the table, Harry's face suddenly turned the color of Ginny's hair.

"I see you noticed that." Astrid said with a teasing smile

"You knew them, didn't you, when they were valkyries I mean." Harry asked trying to move away from the embarrassing subject.

"Yes, yes I did, I loved each of them like sisters." Astrid said, eyes unfocused as if she was looking to the past.

"I'm sorry I um I." Harry said, embarrassed and unsure what to say.

"No, it's ok, it was 500 years ago, and they'll be back soon anyway. I was just a little lost in the past, don't worry about it." Astrid smiled and said with a reassuring voice.

"Can you tell me about them?" Harry asked, and hoped he wasn't making a mistake

"I can tell you a little, but they're not going to be completely the same as they were, remember that they're not only who they were, but also who their new lives have made them" Astrid said

"Can you tell me what you know about them, I mean who they were? " He asked

"I can tell you that they were an elite guard, the very best of us. I can also tell you that your friend Hermione is one, she was their leader, and I can tell you that Ginny was too, she was very powerful. Ginny probably had the most raw power of them all, and she could be a wild one in battle, she had a talent for fire and fire spells, it really fit with her red hair." Astrid said, her voice wistful. " Lets see, there's Pansy, she was Ginny's best friend, we all refer to each other as sisters, but if we're all sisters, those two were twins." Astrid said with a smile. "There was Daphne, she was the best archer in the group, I don't think she ever missed, she killed the Jotun that killed Ginny." Harry noticed a look he didn't understand cross her face, before she smiled again. "Now the heart of the group was Luna, she was the youngest member, and she was and is a seer, so be sure to consult her from time to time, and listen if she warns you about something." Astrid said with a serious expression.

"So they all died in battle together? " Harry asked, feeling a little strange talking about his friends and classmates like this.

"No, not all of them, Hermione, Pansy, and Ginny died in the same battle, they were protecting a village of mortals from Jotuns, Hermione was hit with a randomly thrown spear, Pansy died avenging her, and Ginny was stabbed from behind while comforting Pansy as she lay dying." Astrid said, her throat thick with emotion, but somehow she felt lighter for talking about it, she hadn't talked of this since their funerals. Part of Astrid was very grateful for Harry and his questions, it was hard, but she needed it a lot more than she had realized

"What about Daphne and Luna?" Harry asked, almost afraid to know.

"Daphne lived another year, she died in a duel with Laufy king of the Jotuns, her death bought enough time to get our wounded back to the ships and out of the fight. Laufy left her alive as his forces withdrew, I carried her to the ship, but she died before we could get home." Astrid said, her face solemn. "To be honest she died in the same battle as the others, it just took another year for her body to follow. Daphne was so broken by the loss of her friends, she never recovered, and I think that's why she dueled Laufy, she knew she couldn't win, but she could die saving lives, and that's what she wanted." Astrid said.

"Now, Luna is different, she didn't actually die, but she had a vision, and because of it she underwent a ritual that caused her to be reborn as a mortal. Luna has been helping me with the rituals that will restore the other's memories." she said

"When will you do it?" Harry asked, hoping that it would be soon so that he could start training with them, and planning for next school year.

"Tomorrow night l'll place the enchanted rune stones we prepared, if everything goes well their memories will start coming back, it'll take a little time, we don't want to overwhelm their minds, that could hurt them badly." Astrid said.

"They're going to be different, aren't they? Harry said, worried he would lose the Hermione and Ginny he knew.

"Not really, they'll be who they've always been, same personalities, just more memories and skills, but fundamentally the same people. They won't be adults, they're still young girls with growing up to do. So if you're worried they'll be more mature or older, don't, they won't be." Astrid soothed.

"Good, I mean I'm only 12, I'm glad they're still my age." Harry said with relief.

"So, do you want to hear some fun stories?" she asked and Harry noded.

"Well there was the time in Midgard we were invited to celebrate our victory with the chief of the village we saved and Hermione forgot that mead affects us like mortals there, she got so drunk she started hitting on Thor." Astrid started with a laugh "Needless to say, Sif wasn't amused at first, until Hermione tripped and fell into her stew."

Over next hour she told Harry stories about the Elite Valkyrie Guard. Harry listed with all of his attention to her stories, he began to suspect that they would be fun to spend time with, and that they were all very brave, even if Pansy and Daphne were in Slytherin now. He vaguely remembered that Luna was a Ravenclaw, so she must be pretty smart. Harry wondered for a moment which of the girls he would have to marry, after listening to Astrid's stories he thought it didn't sound so bad after all, still a little bit weird, but maybe his mum was right and he might like it after all.

James Potter came in and joined his family about an hour later, it was a night of feasting, fun, and much laughter. Harry got a laugh and resounding applause as he took Thor's advice as he retold his battle with the now ninety foot fire-breathing basilisk. All too soon it was time for Harry to wake and face another day at home, he decided that he'd ask Dobby for some exercise equipment and fitness books, he knew he had many battles ahead, and being in shape would help. Harry opened his eyes to the sun shining brightly through the window, getting out of his wonderful bed he called Dobby for some breakfast before taking a shower. Harry would have to remember to thank Sif for giving him his own bathroom. After that Harry decided that he would go over his notes and refresh before he started his summer assignments. Harry decided that he would arrange a time after his birthday to go to Diagon Ally, he wanted to have the girls and their families there. Harry decided that if he so much as saw Malfoy he would be checking everything they brought back, he might do it anyway just in case. Picking up his notes he began working on potions, best not antagonize Snape, he though as he started writing, just another normal day.

...

Lucius Malfoy had a problem, well several really, but his most pressing issue involved the destruction of his master's diary, the Dark Lord had entrusted him with it, calling it one of his most prized possessions. Now that it had been destroyed Lucius was under no illusions about his chances of survival should the Dark Lord find out, he would spend the brief remainder of his life as Bella's plaything, not a fate he cared to contemplate. Lucius knew that the only thing that could save him would be making himself the Dark Lord's most useful servant. Normally Lucius wouldn't worry about it, however, he had heard from Severus that the spirit of the Dark Lord had possessed a teacher during Draco's first year, eventually he would be coming back.

Lucius had always been a behind the scenes worker, not that he didn't enjoy muggle hunts, or other mayhem as a Death Eater, but his real talents lay in the financial and political arenas. Lucius knew that it would be in the political arena that he would make himself indispensable to his master. Ministry officials could always be bribed, and many like that toad Umbridge secretly supported the Dark Lord. Fudge wasn't a supporter, but he was an idiot, and corupt, he was easy to control. The only problem Lucius could foresee was also the one he couldn't overcome, at least not yet. Ministry officials have their price, unfortunately it's rarely cheap, and the Malfoy family wasn't as wealthy as they liked to pretend they were. It was a little known fact that most of their wealth came from Narcissa's dowry, even "Malfoy Manor " was a Black property. Fortunately for Lucius, the Black family head had died years ago, Sirius Black was in Azkaban, if he ever got out and managed to make his way to Gringotts, Lucius knew he would be in trouble.

Unfortunately that thought brought him back around to the situation that he needed to get ahead of and stay ahead of. It was the thought of his own marriage that caused the candle to flicker on in his head, of course, a marriage. He could get Draco betrothed to a suitable girl from a wealthy family, he had already been putting pressure on Malcom Parkinson to betroth Pansy to Draco. Since Draco would be fourteen soon, he could exploit an old loophole that would allow him to marry at fourteen as he was the only male heir to the noble house. Of course Parkinson didn't take his last attempt particularly well, and Lucius had only made it worse by making death threats in front of Draco. Knowing his son, he would be using that as pressure against the Parkinson bint, if her father didn't cave in, perhaps she would. Well, Lucius decided that if Malcom Parkinson didn't give him what he wanted, Paul Greengrass had two daughters, and he could exploit that very old loophole as long as Draco was fourteen and the girl was at least twelve. Once they were married the girl's family would have an unfortunate accident, and he would control their fortune through Draco. Of course if Malcom Parkinson didn't give in, Lucius would have to make an example of him, perhaps a Death Eater attack that left the elder Parkinsons dead. If it came to it he could get Fudge to make sure he gained custody of Pansy, that way he would have the Parkinson fortune either way. Lucius decided that perhaps that was a better idea, he would betroth Draco to one of the Greengrass girls and the other could meet the same accident as the parents. Lucius decided that after he dealt with Malcom and Sarah Parkinson and gained custody of Pansy, he would give her to Draco as his mistress. That thought brought a wicked smile to his face, two fortunes and revenge, he had planning to do.

...

Malcom Parkinson wasn't a particularly young man anymore, not that he was old, far from it, in fact he wasn't even 40 yet. However, today he felt old, yet again Lucius Malfoy decided that no one stood between him and what he wanted, and what he wanted was Pansy. Malcom suspected that it wasn't Pansy that Malfoy was really after, but the Parkinson family wealth. Malfoy knew that Pansy was an only child and sole heiress to a very large fortune, not quite as large as the Black, Potter, or Longbottom family fortunes, but still substantial. Should Pansy be forced to marry Draco control of that fortune would fall to him, and by extension his father, should something unfortunately befall Malcom and his wife. Malcom had no doubt that Lucius had an unfortunate accident in store for them as soon as he could force a marriage. Malcom was also aware of ancient and little used loophole that would allow Lucius to force Pansy to marry Draco by year's end if he could get a betrothal contract worked out. To Malcom the worst part had been when Malfoy stated making death threats before the school year, his little ponce of a son had been there, and Malcom had just found out that Draco had been making threats to Pansy all year.

Malcom looked again at the unopened letter on his desk, it was from Malfoy, and Malcom was certain that it contained more threats and innuendo against the safety of his family and himself. Deciding that Malfoy needed to be dealt with, he pitched the unopened letter into the fire before pouring himself a glass of brandy. Checking his clock, he saw that it was only noon. Paul would at the ministry for at least a few more hours. Malcom took a long sip of the flavorful spirit, and began planning, he would invite Paul over tomorrow, and together they would work out a way to protect their families from that greedy ponce. Malcom knew that if he kept resisting Malfoy, that sooner or later he would turn his attention to Daphne or Astoria, and it would be Paul under pressure. No, Malcom decided that at the least they needed to find a way to neutralize Malfoy's influence, if that failed, they might have to find a more permanent way of dealing with Malfoy, and that would end up being a messy pain in the ass. Malcom heard a knock and his wife and daughter came into his study. He regarded the two most important people in his life, yes, he would find a way to protect them.

"Sarah, Pansy, is everything alright? " he asked, slight worry in his voice, he could see the signs of stress on Pansy's face and in her demeanor, Draco would pay too for making Pansy's school year a living hell, no one treated his precious daughter that way.

"Yes, it's just such a beautiful day today, we were heading out to the gardens, until lunch is ready, we wanted you with us." Sarah said, a soft smile hiding the stress she was feeling because of Malfoy.

"I'll be right there." Malcom said, causing his wife and daughter to smile, he could still see the stress, but they were still happy.

"Ok." Sarah said, and she and Pansy left for the gardens. Malcom looked over his notes on Malfoy, before he stood, and, drained his brandy in one gulp. Walking over to the mantel, Malcom opened the hidden door. Looking over the control stone he set the wards to a stronger defensive setting. Malcom decided as he made his way to the gardens and lunch with his wife and daughter, that if Lucius Malfoy wanted a war, he would give that son of a bitch a war, and one thing about the Parkinson family, they always destroyed their enemies. Lucius Malfoy's days were numbered, he decided as he walked the gardens with his wife's hand in his, these two precious ladies would be protected, he swore it.

...

Albus Dumbeldore sat in his office, it had been six days since the Hogwarts Express returned the students to Kings's Cross and on to their homes for the summer, and of course young Mr Potter had been among them, as much as Albus would have preferred that that wasn't the case. Had it not been absolutely necessary to insure that the protection provided by Lily's sacrifice remained, Albus never would have let the boy return to his relatives. However, the events of Harry's first year, especially his encounter with Tom at the end of the year, had shown that the blood protection not only worked, but was necessary to insure Harry's survival. Had it it only been protection around house and by extension his relatives, Albus would have kept Harry at Hogwarts and left those awful people deal with consequences. But alas, Harry still needed it, and for that to remain, he had to stay at the Dursleys for at least one lunar month.

Albus still felt a tinge of anger from his encounter with the Dursley's, he had believe it a mistake when Harry's letter had been addressed to a cupboard, and had been dismayed at finding it was true. Albus had, on learning of Harry's living conditions, taken the Dursley's to task while Hagrid took Harry to Diagon Ally. A long conversation, and an intimidating release of power, had left the Dursleys with the idea that they should provide Harry bedroom, an adequate diet, and other necessities. The Dursleys hadn't been pleased, so Albus added another ward to warn him if Harry's relatives become a danger to him. Currently the wards seemed strong, and getting stronger as expected, however, Albus noticed readings that he couldn't identity, he decided to pay a visit on the weekend and investigate. The readings were strange, but did not seem to be impairing the wards, in fact the wards seemed to be stronger than expected. Albus would definitely need to investigate this strange occurrence. Little did Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Chief Warlock of the Wizengmot, Supreme Mugwump of the ICW, and Headmaster of Hogwarts, know as he watched the sunset over Black Lake, that in just a few short hours the lives of several of his students would be changing forever.