cut
"Good morning," Bruce said and Haruven smiled at him as he walked into the living room of the Avengers Tower.
"Good morning. I hope you've gotten…" he stopped when he saw the broken glass around the bar.
"The aftermath of your duel with Thor," Tony informed him, raising one of the surviving glasses in greeting, and Haruven winced.
"Oh dear…" he muttered. "I thought the shield would stop this from happening." He flicked his wrist. Every single piece of glass levitated into the air and within moments glasses formed and settled on the shelves as though they were never broken.
"Pay up," Tony said and Bruce groaned while Haruven raised an eyebrow at them.
"They bet on whether you'd fix them or buy new ones." Ven looked over his shoulder at Pepper when she spoke after coming out of the elevator. His eyebrows touched the line of his hair when she leaned over to kiss his cheek. Bruce smacked a few bills on Tony's hand and glared at him. "Did you sleep well?" Pepper pushed her arm under Ven's elbow, and led him over to the couch.
"Yes," he said as they took seats. "I must say I slept better than I thought I would." She smiled at him and nodded at Tony when he brought her a cup of tea. Haruven swallowed and looked around, making Pepper frown at him.
"Are you alright?" she asked.
"I – I need to apologize," Haruven said and the three looked at him with raised eyebrows. "I need to apologize to you and to the others. What I did yesterday – how I acted... I'm sorry."
"What are you talking about?" Bruce asked and Haruven bowed his head. "Haruven, you've been keeping your head high and remaining strong for god knows how long. Frankly, I started to believe you're not human."
Haruven looked at Bruce with a small confused frown, while the others exchanged understanding glances.
"We were a bit surprised, but we understand." Pepper took Ven's hands in hers. "Everyone feels the pressure of the upcoming invasion. I do believe that you feel the most of it. You were taken by Loki and you didn't break. You started preparing for war without allowing yourself time to get over almost dying. Honestly, if you didn't break now you would have broken at the worst possible moment. No one can blame you for that."
"Thor said the same thing," Ven murmured.
"Then don't apologize," Tony said. "Someone might just hit you for that." Bruce and Pepper snickered while Ven smiled at Tony thankfully.
"Alright," Haruven said and squeezed Pepper's hands gratefully.
"We told everyone we'd gather at the Starborn when we all wake up. We need to go over a few things," Bruce said and Haruven nodded.
"Thor was in the shower when I left. Where are Steve, Clint and Tasha?"
"Steve went over to the Starborn already to see if everyone's alright and talk with O'Neil and his team," Tony said and the elevator opened to let Thor, Natasha and Clint in.
"Good morning." Haruven said, and Natasha and Clint answered. Haruven smiled at his husband when Thor walked over to kiss him, and the other two settled in a loveseat facing Haruven and Pepper.
"I thought you would wait for me," Thor said and Haruven smiled in apology.
"I wanted to talk to everyone," he said and shrugged and Pepper gave her place to Thor, taking a seat on the armrest of Tony's armchair instead.
"Are you feeling better today?" Natasha asked in honest concern.
"I am," Haruven said. "I'm so…" Tony cleared his throat and Haruven blushed, clearing his throat before he stood up. "I think we're ready to go to Starborn," he blurted out much to everyone's amusement.
"Sure." Thor placed his hand on the small of Haruven's back as everyone moved for the elevators.
Haruven shivered when the feeling of encouragement washed over him through his and Thor's bond and he smiled a little. 'I'll be alright,' he thought as they entered the elevator and made their way down. 'Everything will be alright.'
cut
Haruven walked into Starborn first only to stop in his tracks when he saw everyone sitting around the big lobby. The groups of people were as different as they could be, and while they had been talking about a lot of different things, all conversation stopped when the newcomers walked in.
"Ven?" he looked over his shoulder at Thor, while Pepper closed the door after everyone got in. Ven swallowed and moved forward, followed by the others.
"We thought you'd never come!" Dean called over to them and Ven looked at him with a small smile.
"I'm sorry. I slept in a bit," he said, smile growing when Clark stood up and showed Haruven to take his seat since all the armchairs and couches in the former Café were taken "You don't have to…"
"Ven," Clark stopped him by smiling at him. "Sit. We have much to talk about."
Haruven sighed and looked around. "We'll need more armchairs," he muttered and everyone laughed, exchanging amused glances.
"I don't think any more will fit," Steve said and Haruven sighed and shook his head.
"Oh ye, of little faith." Steve raised an eyebrow at Ven who closed his eyes and clasped his hands in front of his chest. To the surprise of everyone in the room after a wave of warmth spread over them the room seemed to spread to the sides. As it spread more armchairs appeared around low tea-tables. The wave of power washed over them again and Haruven opened his eyes with a small intake of breath. He looked around and nodded. "Better," he said only to raise an eyebrow when he found everyone staring at him in wonder. "What?"
"This magic thing sure is useful," Jack said only to 'oomph' when Daniel hit his ribs with an elbow.
Haruven chuckled and shook his head. "Take a seat everyone. We need to go over a few things," he spoke and walked over to the closest armchair.
"We've already gone over a few possible tactics," Wayne reported and Haruven looked at him while Scott, Steve and Wolverine nodded, sitting around the same table as Wayne.
"We figure the Chitauri won't attack only one town," Steve said. "Whoever is controlling them, wants to destroy Earth. They might attack everywhere."
"If they are controlled by the Goa'uld then they will attack from space," Jack took over. "I think we can be quite sure that they are in fact controlled by them, and the Goa'uld have very developed technology. If they figured out that they can't use the Bifröst and that the Stargate was destroyed they will launch an attack from space for sure. We need to be ready for a worldwide battle."
"Like I said," Dean muttered, "fricking Independence Day." Bobby, Warren, Barbara and Dick chuckled at that, while Sam and Castiel rolled their eyes.
"That was a good movie," Jack said and Dean grinned.
"Sure was!"
Haruven chuckled and shook his head. "You're all right." He rolled his eyes when Dean grinned at him. "Yes, the movie was great, but I'm talking about the possibility of them attacking a lot of towns at once. I think it is safe to say that we'll have to organize ourselves. I don't know about a government in the world that would listen. Most of us aren't in their good graces."
Almost everyone in the room either blushed or ducked bashfully.
"But there are nowhere near enough of us to cover Earth," Daniel said. "Besides, I don't know about you but I'm human here. I can't fight in the air."
"Not all of us can," Bruce said.
"Besides, just because we're human doesn't mean we can't fight," Sam said and looked at Haruven. "Our friend Bobby contacted everyone he knows. The hunters are stationed in towns all around the world. They are ready and waiting for further information."
Haruven nodded.
"My brothers and sisters have gone quiet," Castiel spoke up. "They are holding the Council as we speak. Now we can only pray."
"Thank you, Castiel," Haruven said. "That is more than I hoped for."
"There are more of us at the Institute," Rogue said. "We're all ready to fight." The X-men nodded and Haruven smiled at them before he looked at Jack, Samantha, Daniel and Teal'c.
"We'll do our best," Samantha said.
"We will fight for Earth," Teal'c said and Haruven nodded.
"You already know we're in," Wayne said, Batgirl and Robin grinning in agreement, "but we still need more."
"I know," Haruven said and sighed. He rubbed his forehead and looked at Thor. "I still must contact my old co-workers from the Auror and the Unspeakable forces. I have a few acquaintances in Japan that also must be informed of this. They could contact their friends from the Demon world to help in this fight."
"Demon world?" Dean, Sam, Bobby, Barbara, Warren, Gambit and Wolverine spoke up while the others looked at Ven in wonder.
"Yes. The Demon world." Ven spoke lightly, raising an eyebrow in confusion.
"I don't think Demons will want to fight for this world," Dean spoke sarcastically.
"Not those demons," Haruven waved his right hand making the resident hunters frown in confusion. "These are the Demons of the old world. Most of them are practically human, but they have a wide variety of powers. Yusuke and his friends are Demons and yet they've lived in this world peacefully and protected it for years now." Dean raised an eyebrow at that and pouted a bit.
"You have some strange friends, Mage Haruven,." Fandral said and Haruven chuckled.
"You have no idea." In that moment a wave of warmth passed over them and Haruven tensed up slightly. He stood up and turned to face the door.
"Ven?" Thor asked with a frown and placed his hand on Haruven's shoulder. "Is something wrong?" Haruven's mouth opened and closed a few times and the door opened. In walked a man with sandy blond hair and amber eyes. He was tall and muscled, giving away an air of danger. A few redheads were behind him and Thor raised an eyebrow when he saw Neville and Luna in the bunch.
The man that walked in first looked around with a raised eyebrow before his eyes settled on Haruven and his expression brightened immediately, making everyone wonder how he didn't get a whiplash from the mood-swing.
"Dad!" he rushed over to Haruven.
"Teddy!" Haruven cried out when the younger man hugged him around his waist and spun Ven around with a huge grin on his handsome face. He put Ven down and hugged him tightly while the others walked in, looking almost warily at the huge crowd in the room.
"We felt your call, baby bro!" one of the redheads said and grabbed Haruven in a hug when Teddy let go of him.
"George, I hadn't seen you in years!" Haruven cheered and hugged George tightly, the redhead grinning brightly as he pulled the raven haired wizard close to himself.
"It's been a while, Harry."
"Charlie. Bill." Harry hugged the two and smiled at the older man and woman that walked over to him to hug him. "Molly. Arthur. I'm happy to see you well."
"It's good to see you, son," Arthur said.
"You've had us worried for a while there," Molly spoke in a motherly tone, before she took a step back and tsked. "Even after all these years you're still flesh and bone. Are you sure you're eating well?" Haruven laughed at that and shook his head while Molly smiled at him lovingly.
"I am, Molly. Don't worry. There are people who remind me constantly that I should take care of myself," Ven said and threw a glance at Thor, who was standing to the side, his shoulders slightly tense.
"So we've heard," Teddy spoke lowly while Neville and Luna walked over to hug Haruven. Everyone watched in fascination as Teddy, Charlie, George, Bill and Arthur rounded on Thor.
"Told you so!" Neville sang and Haruven rolled his eyes.
"Guys, we have a war to plan, I don't think…"
"Leave it be, Harry-dear," Molly said and patted his hand.
"So!" Teddy took a step forward to stand directly in front of Thor, matching him in height. He crossed his arms over his chest and looked directly in Thor's eyes. "You're the guy who thinks he's good enough for my dad." Everyone in the room raised eyebrows at Teddy, while Haruven blushed and hid his face in his hands with a low groan.
Thor looked at Fandral, Hogun, Volstagg and Sif when they snickered at him before he looked at Teddy again. "Thor Odinson, at your service." He bowed his head at Teddy. He knew if he offered his hand to the younger man it wouldn't be accepted so he opted for this safer sort of greeting.
"He sure fits your description, Nev." George grinned almost evilly, and Thor raised an eyebrow at Neville.
"I'm not convinced," Teddy growled.
"Take it easy, Ted," Charlie said and looked at Thor. "You have to forgive him. The Full Moon is near and he tends to be a bit tacky at this time of the month."
Thor looked at Teddy with a raised eyebrow. "So you are a Child of the Moon." He clasped his hands behind his back. "Ven mentioned that."
Teddy hummed. "So you know what will happen to you if you in any way hurt my dad," Teddy said and his eyes flashed gold. "I'll find you no matter where you try to hide." He growled lowly and took a step forward. "I'll find you and hurt you in ways you can't possibly imagine. Your mother won't be able to recognize you once I'm done with you. I know you two are married by all rights. I can smell it. But nothing short of a miracle will stop me from killing you if you ever hurt him. He passed through too much shit for some guy to hurt him after he gave his heart to him, do I make myself clear?"
Thor snorted and smirked at Teddy.
"I would be careful if I were you, brother!" Fandral spoke with a smirk.
"This one is strong!" Volstagg grinned and Teddy snorted.
Thor hummed and looked at Teddy. "Perfectly clear."
George and Bill snickered. "Gotta give it to him, kid!" George grinned. "He's tough."
"Last guy you threatened like that ran for the mountains before you were done," Bill said with a shark-like grin.
"So that's what happened to John." Haruven rolled his eyes, and almost as though on cue the atmosphere shifted and Teddy turned on his heel to grin at his father.
"He wasn't worthy of your attention and he was annoying as hell."
Thor chuckled making Teddy look at him again. "So?" he said and looked at Teddy. "Do I pass the test?"
"We'll see," Teddy said. "As far as I'm concerned no one is good enough for my dad."
"Teddy…" Haruven spoke tiredly and Teddy looked at him with big innocent eyes.
"What? If I remember correctly you actually cursed Luke when he came to dinner with me."
"Are all the good ones gay?!" Barbara and Rogue cried out and everyone laughed.
"He was 8 years older than you and he was a creep," Haruven said in his defense, and his eyes flashed slightly. "Besides he tried to grope you 15 minutes after he came into our house. I do not consider that good behavior."
"I don't think he deserved to be cursed with the Stinging Hex for 6 hours though," Teddy drawled and Haruven snorted.
"Oh, he deserved it. Besides it didn't work out either way."
Teddy snorted and shrugged. "He was a douche."
"Right you are." Haruven nodded enthusiastically.
"As amusing as this is, I think we should leave this touching family reunion for a different time. As Ven said earlier, we have a war to plan," Tony said and everyone looked at him.
"He's right," Arthur said and they moved to take seats.
"What have you gotten yourself into this time, Harry?" George sighed woefully and Haruven groaned.
"Why does everyone immediately assume it's my fault?"
"Because if anyone ever deserved the title of a trouble magnet it would be you, dear brother," Charlie said and Haruven rolled his eyes.
He looked at Thor when the God of Thunder placed his hand on the small of Ven's back. "Take a seat. We should tell them everything." Thor said and Haruven smiled at his beloved. His family exchanged glances of approval and nodded minutely.
"Start from the beginning," Luna said as Haruven and Thor took seats.
"It's a long story, but I think the main part of it begins two years ago when the Chitauri first attacked Earth."
cut
"You'll need more people," Bill spoke. The atmosphere in the former café was heavy and everyone was frowning. "A lot more people."
"I think we should think of a way to protect the cities around the world." Charlie suggested and looked at Haruven. "Whether you know it or not, your name is widely known in each and every Wizarding community in the world. If you call to arms they will answer."
"You mentioned protecting cities," Clint said and Charlie nodded.
"There are wizards all around the world, hidden from sight. They live in each city, each town and village. If we somehow manage to contact everyone they could place wards around towns so that nothing wishing harm upon them could enter. The shields are strong enough to keep anything out, even magic and energy attacks; for a certain time that is."
"We could contact the Magical Communities," Bill said. "That still leaves the question of fighters open. Not all wizards are fighters, just like not all humans know how to wield guns. The armies of the world must be informed as well. We'll need everyone."
"I can speak with General Hammond," Jack offered. "He will listen to me. The USA president will hear of this."
Haruven nodded. "The Ministries of Magic all around the world are in contact with the Muggle Government. There are contracts among them that if the need ever arises they will stand together. I just hope it doesn't come to that. While we do need magic now, we cannot risk the Magical Communities coming out into the open. The results would be catastrophic."
"We've seen how the world reacted to Mutants." Scott spoke up, rubbing his chin with his fingers. "I don't think it's ready for Wizards as well."
"You'll have to contact Professor Xavier," Haruven spoke to Scott, gazing at all of the X-men. "As much as I understand he can communicate with Mutants all around the world. He must warn them. They need to be ready when the Chitauri come."
"Consider it done," Wolverine said and Haruven nodded, before he took a deep breath and rubbed his forehead with his right hand.
"Dad?" Ven opened his eyes and looked at Teddy's worried face.
"Sorry. I'm just a bit tired." Teddy nodded although he didn't stop frowning. "Bill, I'll need you to contact the Auror force and the Unspeakable force."
"I think it would be better if you were the one to contact everyone," Bill suggested and Haruven's eyebrows narrowed thoughtfully.
"We told you already, son," Arthur said. "You're still considered a Savior. When you call they will answer."
Haruven's frown deepened but he nodded. "I'll have to find a way to contact them all quickly," he murmured and slowly stood up, turning to the x-men first. "I would like for you to return to the Institute. Mobilize the X-men; everyone ready and able to fight."
Scott and the others stood up and nodded. "It will be done."
Haruven looked at Jack and his team. "Go to your superiors. Talk to them. See to it that the government is informed of what is to happen." Jack saluted him lightly and the others nodded. "Clark, Wayne, Barbara, Dick, you will stay here. Dean, Sam and Castiel, you as well. I have a feeling they will strike here the most. Whether Loki is in control of his deeds or not doesn't matter right now. He will want revenge on us the most. We need to be ready for a major attack here. The Avengers, the Warrior three, Sif and I will remain here as well." Haruven turned to look at his family. "The choice is yours. You can either remain here or go back to England." The nine wizards exchanged glances before they nodded at each other.
"I will stay here," Teddy said.
"Me as well." Neville agreed.
"We will go back to England," Arthur said.
"I will summon everyone who fought with you at the Battle of Hogwarts," Luna spoke up, her voice for once firm. "They will be honored to fight with you again."
Harry nodded at Luna and looked around. "I have no doubt that they will attack the biggest towns in the world. They will try to destroy the main points of defense."
"Standard battle tactics," Charlie said. "Cut off the snake's head and the body dies."
"But the head can still bite," Haruven said and stood taller. "Let's hope we get out of this alive. It's an honor to fight will all of you. I hope the Fates favor us in this fight so that all of us can see the end of it. We will stay in contact. Good luck," he said and looked at those who will remain. "Let's go back to the Tower. I think I know how to speak to the wizards."
After they said fare well to those who would leave they left the former Café. Haruven looked at those leaving New York and smiled at them.
"Stay safe, my friends," he said and left, following after everyone. Thor was waiting for him at the doorway and Haruven took a deep breath once the door closed behind him. He looked at everyone that was waiting for him in the alleyway and smiled at them. "We will win this fight." Everyone nodded with determined expressions on their faces.
"We will."
cut
Haruven stood on top of the Avengers Tower looking at the setting Sun. His heart was heavy, his thoughts were dark, but he stood proud. Behind him, leaning against the wall beside the elevator, was Thor. He was looking at Haruven with caution in his eyes, his arms crossed over his broad chest. He was ready to move at a moment's notice.
"Are you sure about this?" he asked and Haruven tilted his head to the side to look at him over his shoulder.
"Don't worry," Ven spoke warmly. "Everything will be alright. And besides; this is the fastest way." Thor nodded, although he was still wary.
Haruven looked at the setting sun again. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, allowing his magic to course through him. Thor lowered his arms, straightened and took a step forward when the runes Haruven cut into the cement on the roof started glowing and they broke apart from the ground. They started circling around Haruven as he raised his arms slightly to the sides, palms up, bowed his head and started whispering into the wind.
"Wizards and Witches of the World." Thor shivered as a powerful wave of magic burst from Haruven and spread into the four winds. "My brothers. My sisters. Hear me."
cut
Shacklebolt shivered when a familiar wave of power washed over him.
"Harry?" he gasped and rushed out of his office and onto the patio overlooking the Atrium of the British Ministry of Magic. Every single person was rooted to their spots as they listened to the whisper in the wind.
"My brothers. My sisters. Hear me."
Shacklebolt looked around as his heart threatened to jump out of his chest. "Speak, Harry," he whispered. "We're listening."
cut
Tom looked up from where he was polishing a few glasses when a shiver ran down his spine. Every single Witch and Wizard in the Leaky Cauldron stopped in the middle of whatever they were doing.
"Harry Potter..." Tom whispered in shock. "He's alive!" he grinned and the glass fell out of his hands.
"My friends. Some of you met me, and some of you know me through tails and whispers. I am Harry James Potter and I speak to you now because the world is in terrible danger."
cut
"Is that – how can that be?" Oliver Wood whispered, looked at his opponent, Victor Krum, and then looked around at his team mates and the wizards and witches in the Quidditch stands.
Everyone was quiet as the voice of the one they thought to be long gone whispered to their hearts.
"The world needs you to stand. The world needs you to fight. Hear me!"
cut
"SEAMUS!"
"HUSH!" Seamus snapped at his Chinese colleague and looked at the sky. "Speak ta me, 'Arry," he spoke lowly. "Speak."
"A great threat is upon us. I beg of you, wherever you are, in whichever city you live, do not reveal yourselves, but do your best to protect the city, town or village you live in."
cut
"Nani desu ka?" (What is that?) Sasakura Ryu looked up and frowned when one of his regular customers raised his head. A shiver passed down his spine. There was a whisper in the air. There was something both warming and terrifying in it.
Ryu looked at his guest, a young man with long red hair, and saw him leave the bar, only to stop at the stairs. Ryu followed after him and walked onto the busy streets of Tokyo only for his eyes to widen.
From where he was standing he could see a few people standing still, looking at the sky. He looked up and shivered when he actually saw a wave of green light pass over the city.
"Potter-san?" Ryu whispered and shivered.
"Put up shields around your town. There is a great threat coming from Space. It may or may not strike at the town you live in, but please. Please, help me protect this world. Help me protect those who cannot fight. Help me protect the world we all love."
cut
"He's alive. He's alive!" Minerva McGonagall whimpered and covered her lips with her hand weakly as the voice of one of her most beloved students caressed her heart and mind.
"Stand now, my brothers and sisters. Stand!"
cut
Thor shivered when that wave of power came back and slammed into Haruven.
"We do not have much time. The Auror and Unspeakable Forces were informed of this, but they cannot do everything on their own. I beg of you; unite. Unite and help save this world. Protect the towns you live in with the best protection runes and shields you know. Make it so that no evil can enter your towns. Protect them and your loved ones. Don't allow this World to fall to ruin. I beg of you. Stand! And may we see this threat end like we have seen all the threats and evils of the past meet their ends."
Thor was blinded by a bright light for a second. When he was able to see again he found Haruven kneeling on the ground with his head bowed. "Ven..." he whispered and ran over to his beloved husband. He kneeled beside him and Haruven looked at Thor with a relieved smile.
"I did it."
Thor let go of a relieved laugh. "Good." Both stood up slowly. As they watched the Sun set beyond the horizon their hearts filled with hope.
"I could feel them listening, Thor." Haruven rested his head on Thor's shoulder.
Thor kissed Ven's forehead and wrapped his arms around the smaller man. "I know."
Ven looked at Thor lips tilted in a small smile, and leaned up to kiss his bonded lovingly. "Let's go to bed. Tomorrow is a new day and we have much to do."
Thor smiled at Ven, and bowed down to lay a chaste kiss on perfect lips. "Sure," he said and they moved towards the elevator.
And as the last rays of the Sun touched the Avengers Tower the air filled with something indescribable.
Excitement.
Expectation.
And hope.
Most importantly it filled with hope.
Because that night many hearts woke up.
Their Savior called them to arms.
They remembered.
They remembered his sacrifices.
They remembered his fight.
And they would answer his call.
He would not fight this battle alone.
cut