Kingsley Shackelbot was having a very slow day which was unusual given the times. A dark lord on the loose causing havoc and him being fresh out of Auror training, he didn't have much to do. At the moment he was enjoying his rare day off though he was on call in case things got ugly fast. He lived in a very well-known wizard district in London these days. A far cry from how he grew up. He didn't keep much in the terms of Muggle things in his home. So, color him surprised when the only phone in his home began to ring. There was only one person that would have that number and honestly, he didn't really want to answer the phone.

"It must be important if you're calling me." Kingsley said into the phone. "Seeing how I never call you, yeah it is." The voice on the other end said. "There's no need for the attitude Nicholas, I was just making an observation here." Kingsley and his brother didn't have the best of relationships, but it wasn't always like that. They used to be super close, but something happened to Nick, and he never talked about it but whatever it was changed how he looked at his brother. "Yeah well, I'm not calling for small talk. I have something I need your particular skill set for. How soon are you able to get to Scotland?" Nick asked, getting right to the point. "Depends on how long I need to be there. Quick trip of about an hour, I can be there in less than 10 seconds but if it takes longer than a day I need to report to my boss first. What's the situation I'll be dealing with?" Kingsley said. He was surprised his brother was calling for his help but also hopeful that maybe this could be the catalyst that brought them together again. "I've got a guy that needs help with his head if you know what I mean. Stark says he's got a temporary fix for him, but we need something more long term." Nick said.

"Mind magic isn't really my area, but I know enough to at least assess what the damage is and point him in the right direction as a means of recovery, but why am I getting involved? You know what would happen if the Big guys knew I was helping." Kingsley asked, getting ever more curious as the call went on. "Your people know about my team, and he's connected to one of yours so I'm sure it won't be an issue. Talk to whoever you need to." Nick said nonchalantly.

"Right, I'll get on it. I'll need to know where in Scotland I'm going." Kingsley said to his brother. "You're going back to magic school petit frere."

Severus looked over at his brothers still fast asleep on his bed. He left a note telling them he was heading to his classes and that they should talk with father's portrait if they needed anything. He didn't want to leave his brothers just yet, but he couldn't very well miss his classes. He headed up to the great hall for a quick breakfast and to send his sister Evelyn a letter letting her know what was going on with mother. On his way in he nearly ran into someone.

"S-Sorry. Oh Severus, um, Sorry again I wasn't watching where I was going." Sirius stumbled over his words. "It's quite alright Sirius. Though I would make sure your package is ok."

"Um, it's actually for you. But I had this whole thing planned out. I was going to ask you to meet me at lunch outside by the lake and give it to you and…" Sirius rambled on, not stopping to catch his breath.

"Sirius. Calm down and breathe. If you still want to go with your plan, then yes, I'll meet you outside for lunch." Severus said, giving Sirius an exasperated look. He knew that Sirius was a ball of pent-up energy, but he didn't really know how much until now.

"Really?!" exclaimed Sirius. He thought for sure Severus would say no.

"Yes Sirius, now if you'll excuse me I need to get inside to eat and then send this letter off. I'll see you later, ok." Severus said walking away. He wasn't exactly sure what Sirius wanted to give him or why he wanted to be alone with him, but he knew that James would have told him if anything were wrong, right?

He walked into the great hall and started to head for the Slytherin table when his arm was grabbed, and he was dragged to the Gryffindor table and was sat down on the other side of Lily.

Good morning Sev, James did you really find it necessary to grab him like that." Lily asked, giving James a Death glare he didn't even notice.

"What, he was going to the wrong table." James stated as he sat down and started to not only pile his plate with food but Severus as well.

Severus looked almost confused but allowed it. A few moments later Sirius walked into the great hall and sat across from Severus and next to Remus. He too started to pile his plate with food. He looks up at Severus then. "I think I met your dad last night," he tells him.

Severus raises an eyebrow trying to figure out how his father would be here then it hit him that Sirius was referring to his mother. "Oh, you mean my mother. Yes, I met her last night as well, along with two of my brothers." He says as he continues to eat the food James gave him.

Everyone starts to look between Sirius and Severus as if trying to figure out when they became so civil so fast. Sirius on the other had just carried on. "I couldn't decide if I should have been scared or not. I mean it's not like the God of Mischief always shows up in the dorms you know."

"Hold it the God of Mischief is your mother?" Remus asked. James stopped eating completely at that. And turn to face Severus completely waiting for his answer. "Well yes but I just met him last night. Apparently, it wasn't safe for my father to come along with him, but my mother was called away due to my aunt who raised me needing help. He wouldn't let me go but I suppose it's fine, he and grandfather were going together, and I get the chance to know my brothers and find out more about them. You'll find the black lake is now short one serpent." He said casually as if it was the most normal conversation they could be having.

"I think you broke James, Sev." Lily says to him. He turns to see James unmoving with his mouth open in disbelief.

"Do you realize we have a shrine to your mother in our dorm room and he was there last night, and Sirius met him?" James asked calmly. "Well, I do now." Severus told him laughing. "What was he like?" James turn to ask Sirius.

"Um a bit scary, and taller than I thought he would be. We didn't really talk for long so whether or not he likes me is yet to be determined." Sirius says not looking up from his plate. He couldn't very well just say how he was feeling in front of Severus just yet. But James being James knew something was being left out and had the gall to not mention it as he assumed it was Severus related.

"Well, we best be off to class. I want to check in on my brothers before I go." Severus says as he gets up having finished before everyone else. "Thank you for this." He says pointing his finger at the table and spinning it before walking out.

As soon as they were sure he wasn't coming back they all turned to Sirus. "Ok, so what did he say?" Remus asks. "He told me if I could get in his son's good graces he would teach me some things." Sirius said blushing a bit. While the prospect of being taught anything by the God was appealing, he would have just been ok with having Severus to himself.

"No way. Damn, I wish I had been there I bet you were pissing your pants." James says laughing as he got up having also finished his meal. The bunch all followed suit and headed for the doors.

"You know." Lily started to say, "If you end up marrying Sev, he'll be your father-in-law." The boys all stopped at this as Lily kept going knowingly having made all their heads explode. James turned to Sirius and said, "Do not mess this up." And walked off to catch up to Lily.

"I can sense your brother. They will be here soon," Odin said to Loki.

"I can sense James as well. I hope that he is up for this," Loki said, breathing in the cool, crisp air deeply. They had gone to an open field to contact Heimdall to reach Thor. Loki knew that since Thor had not come via the Bifrost, he would be bringing the others with him.

Thor's arrival was marked by the shimmer of Heimdall's magic. Alongside him came Steve, Bucky, and Bruce, stepping forward with purpose. Thor, ever the presence of confidence, strode toward Loki, his hammer resting casually on his shoulder.

"Brother," Thor said warmly, clasping Loki's shoulder. "It is good to see you."

"Likewise, Thor," Loki replied, though his expression remained tense. His gaze shifted to Bucky, softening. "We need to talk."

Loki led Bucky a short distance away, the wind carrying the faint murmur of their conversation. Loki hesitated before speaking. "There's something you should know about our son."

Bucky frowned, his body tensing slightly. "What is it?"

Loki sighed, his usual confidence faltering. "When Odin approached me recently, he brought a gift—an ancient artifact that will allow our children to have a choice. A way for them to live as we do, with a mortal form if they so wish. I believe it will bring stability to their lives and ours. But that's not all. He also gave me a map with the locations of my three other children, Sleipnir, Jörmungandr, and Hel.

Bucky's eyes widened slightly at the weight of Loki's words. "Loki I...," he said quietly, the idea sinking in. "It's… a lot to take in."

"I know," Loki admitted, reaching for Bucky's hand. "But this family has been broken for so long. I want to fix it. I want to give them—and us—a chance."

Bucky looked at him for a long moment before nodding. "We'll figure it out. Together."

Loki offered a faint smile, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Thank you."

Meanwhile, Thor and Steve were speaking with Odin, who explained the urgency of their presence. "Eileen has been taken," Odin said gravely. "Her captors are tied to old grudges against our family. We must act quickly, or her life may be forfeit."

Loki stepped forward, his expression unusually solemn. "Eileen is more than just someone connected to us," he began, addressing Thor, Steve, and the others. "She is my sister. Not by blood, but by bond. When I was younger, during a time of exile, I found her—a lost child, surviving on the streets of Midgard. She had a power unlike anything I had seen, raw and untamed. I couldn't leave her to fend for herself, so I took her in. I raised her as my own kin, taught her to harness her magic."

He paused, his voice softening as he continued. "She became my family when I had none. Even after Odin erased my memories of her during his attempts to control me, she never stopped believing in me. She raised

Bruce, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "Do we know where she's being held?"

Odin admitted. "I know not exactly where she is being held, but I received a message through Heimdall. It came from someone just beyond his watchful eye. Whoever they are, they provided enough information to suggest Eileen's captors have cloaked themselves well. Her magic leaves traces, faint as they may be. With Heimdall's guidance, we can follow them."

Thor nodded firmly. "Then let us waste no time. We cannot allow these enemies to gain the upper hand."

The group reconvened, their collective determination palpable. Loki and Bucky joined them, the god's voice steady as he addressed everyone.

"We are not just facing a rescue mission," Loki said. "This is about more than Eileen—it is about righting wrongs and confronting the shadows of the past. Together, we will succeed."

Thor raised his hammer high, his booming voice echoing through the open field. "Then let us waste no time. To battle!"

The group set off toward their next destination, their resolve unshakable as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the path ahead.

Sirius could feel his hands sweating as he sat under the large beech tree by the Black Lake. His fingers nervously twisted a small package wrapped in green velvet. The sunlight shimmered off the water, and though the setting was serene, his nerves were anything but. He'd spent the better part of the morning rehearsing what he was going to say, but now that the time had come, all of it had vanished.

The sound of approaching footsteps broke through his spiraling thoughts. Looking up, he saw Severus walking toward him, his expression unreadable, as usual. Sirius' stomach flipped.

"You're here," Sirius said, his voice cracking slightly. He cleared his throat and stood, brushing dirt off his pants.

"You asked me to be," Severus replied smoothly, though his gaze flicked curiously to the package in Sirius' hands. "So, what's this all about?"

Sirius gestured to the spot next to him on the grass. "Sit with me?"

Severus raised an eyebrow but sat, keeping a polite distance between them. Sirius took a deep breath and placed the package in Severus' lap.

"This is for you," Sirius said, the words coming out in a rush. "I—I heard you like rare potion ingredients, and my family… Well, my parents had a whole collection of them locked away. I figured it was time they were put to better use."

Severus stared at him for a long moment, his hands resting lightly on the package. "Why?"

"Why what?" Sirius asked, his nerves doubling.

"Why give this to me?" Severus' voice was calm, but there was an edge to it. "We've spent years at each other's throats. You've tormented me more than anyone else in this school. So why now?"

Sirius exhaled and ran a hand through his hair, looking down at his hands. "Because I've been a complete arse to you, and I know it. And I… I wanted to fix things. Properly." He hesitated, then looked Severus directly in the eyes. "Because I like you. I… I've liked you for years."

Severus blinked, his expression freezing in surprise. Then, his lips curled into a small, humorless smile. "A joke, then. That's what this is."

"No!" Sirius said quickly, panic lacing his voice. "It's not a joke. I swear, it's not. I… I know it seems ridiculous, especially after everything I've done. But, Severus, I've been a coward. I was so bloody scared of what I felt that I hid behind stupid pranks and cruelty. And I hate myself for it. I'm sorry. For everything. But I want to be better. I want to be someone you can… maybe care about."

Severus stared at him, his hands tightening on the package. He could see the sincerity in Sirius' eyes, the way his usual bravado had melted into raw vulnerability. It left Severus unsure, off-balance.

"If this is some kind of elaborate ploy…" Severus started.

"It's not," Sirius interrupted. "I promise you. Just… think about it, yeah? Take the gift, and if you're willing, meet me again tomorrow. Same time, same spot."

For a moment, Severus said nothing. Then, slowly, he nodded. "Tomorrow, then." He stood, the package clutched tightly in his hands, and walked away without looking back. Sirius stayed rooted to the spot, his heart pounding, unsure whether he'd just made the biggest mistake of his life or taken the first step toward something real.

Severus entered the Slytherin common room, where Sleipnir was poring over a map of the castle, while Jörmungandr, still in his serpent form, coiled nearby. The sight of his brothers made him hesitate, the morning's interaction with Sirius still fresh in his mind.

"Severus," Sleipnir greeted him, looking up with a grin. "Everything alright? You look… distracted."

"I just had a rather… unexpected conversation," Severus said, sitting down beside him.

"Unexpected how?" Sleipnir asked, tilting his head.

Severus hesitated, then decided to be honest. "Sirius Black. He… he asked to meet with me. Gave me a gift. Said some things I didn't expect."

Sleipnir's expression shifted to concern. "Black? Isn't he the one who's been causing you trouble?"

"Yes, but…" Severus glanced down, the package still in his hands. "He apologized. Said he's liked me for years and didn't know how to express it."

Sleipnir leaned back, studying Severus carefully. "And do you believe him?"

"I don't know," Severus admitted. "It could be a trick, but… he seemed genuine. I'm meeting him again tomorrow."

Sleipnir nodded slowly. "Then we'll trust your instincts. But if he does anything to hurt you… well, let's just say he won't like the consequences." He offered a faint smile. "Now, let's focus on the task at hand. The portrait said the entrance to Father's rooms is hidden in the second-floor girls' bathroom. We're close."

The two brothers stood, Jörmungandr slithering along beside them, and made their way out of the dormitory. They moved through the dimly lit halls of the castle, their destination clear.

When they entered the bathroom, the sound of faint sobbing echoed through the space. Moaning Myrtle appeared from one of the stalls, her translucent figure hovering above the ground.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice teetering on annoyance.

"We're looking for something," Sleipnir said diplomatically. "We mean no harm."

"Hmph," Myrtle said, floating closer. "Everyone's always looking for something. Just don't disturb my stall." She floated away sulkily.

Severus ignored her and approached the sink adorned with a snake carving. Jörmungandr coiled beside him, lifting his head. With a soft hiss, the serpent spoke in Parseltongue. The sink began to shift, revealing a dark tunnel leading downward.

"Looks like we found it," Sleipnir said, a mixture of excitement and nervousness in his tone.

Jörmungandr slithered forward without hesitation, disappearing into the tunnel. Severus and Sleipnir exchanged a glance before following, sliding down the smooth stone chute. They landed in a damp, cavernous chamber lit by an eerie green glow.

Jörmungandr was already ahead, his massive form winding through the chamber. Suddenly, a low growl echoed, and a pair of glowing yellow eyes appeared in the darkness.

Sleipnir stepped closer to Severus, his hand resting on his brother's shoulder. "Let's hope she's friendly."

The basilisk emerged fully, her immense body gliding forward with the slow grace of a predator. She loomed over them, her yellow eyes locked on Jörmungandr. The two serpents hissed at one another, their tones shifting between curiosity and authority. It was a language only they understood, and yet the tension in the air was palpable.

"She's massive," Sleipnir murmured, his voice low. "Father never mentioned she would still be alive."

Severus nodded, keeping his wand at the ready but refraining from any sudden movements. The basilisk lowered her head slightly, her gaze softening as Jörmungandr coiled closer, his emerald scales gleaming in the dim light. The two seemed to reach an understanding, as the basilisk turned her gaze to the brothers and let out a deep, resonant hiss that echoed through the chamber.

"What did she say?" Sleipnir asked, glancing at Severus.

"She's inviting us forward," Severus said cautiously. "Apparently, she recognizes our connection to Father and will allow us to proceed."

The basilisk moved aside, revealing an ornate doorway carved into the chamber wall. The intricate design depicted serpents winding through a lush forest, their eyes set with emeralds that glittered faintly.

"This must be it," Sleipnir said, stepping closer. "Salazar's hidden sanctum."

Jörmungandr hissed again, slithering up to the door and pressing his body against it. A low rumble resonated through the room as the door began to slide open, revealing a grand hall filled with shelves of ancient books, potion vials, and artifacts glowing faintly with magical energy.

Sleipnir let out a low whistle. "This is incredible. No wonder Father wanted us to find this."

Severus stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room with a mixture of awe and curiosity. "There's so much here. We'll have to take our time cataloging everything."

"And figuring out which of it is still safe to use," Sleipnir added with a grin. "Let's get to work."

The two brothers set about exploring the hidden chamber, with Jörmungandr curling protectively near the entrance, his watchful eyes ensuring they were not disturbed.

"Severus, look at this," Sleipnir called, holding up a vial with a glowing blue liquid inside. The label read: "Transformation Elixir."

Severus approached, his eyes narrowing as he examined the potion. "It's labeled, but we don't know if it's stable. It's been here for centuries."

Sleipnir smirked. "Or it could be perfectly preserved. Maybe this is exactly what Jör needs."

"We can't just test it on him without knowing what it will do," Severus argued. "What if it's dangerous? We need to study it first."

"Or we could just let him try it," Sleipnir countered. "He's been stuck in that form for so long. Don't you think he deserves the chance to decide for himself?"

Before Severus could respond, Jörmungandr hissed sharply, drawing their attention. With a quick movement, he knocked the vial from Sleipnir's hand with his tail, sending it flying toward Severus. Startled, Severus tried to catch it, but the vial slipped through his fingers and shattered on the floor, spilling its contents onto Jörmungandr.

The glowing blue liquid soaked into his scales, and a bright light engulfed him. Both brothers shielded their eyes as the chamber filled with a low hum. When the light faded, a figure stood where the serpent had been.

Jörmungandr, now in human form, looked down at himself in wonder. His tall, lean frame was clad in dark robes, his emerald eyes glowing faintly as they adjusted to his new perspective. He had long flowing black hair much longer than his fathers', cascading down his back and framing his face.

"Well," Sleipnir said after a moment of stunned silence. "That's one way to test it."

Severus groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "This is exactly what I was trying to avoid."

Jörmungandr's lips curled into a small smile, his voice smooth and deep as he spoke for the first time. "It worked. That's all that matters."

Sleipnir grinned and clapped Jörmungandr on the shoulder. "Now that you're human, you can help us with the next part of Father's request. We need to locate Fenrir and contact Hel. Your abilities should make that much easier."

Jörmungandr nodded, flexing his fingers as though marveling at the sensation. "I'll do what I can. Fenrir's presence will be easier to sense now that I'm no longer bound to my serpent form. As for Hel… I can reach her through the familial bond. It may take time, but I will manage."

"Good," Sleipnir said. "Let's not waste any time. The sooner we bring them into the fold, the better prepared we'll be for what's coming."

Severus sighed, his practical nature warring with the chaotic reality of his family. "Let's just hope this doesn't end in disaster."

The three brothers exchanged determined looks before turning back to the chamber, their next steps clear. It was time to reunite their family and face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Eileen shivered in the damp, cold cell. Her head pounded, and her wrists ached from the manacles that bound her. She had lost track of time, though she suspected she'd been there for days. The sound of approaching footsteps made her tense, her heart pounding in her chest.

A tall, broad-shouldered man entered the room, his sharp features a mirror of Loki's, though his eyes were colder, more calculating.

"You must be Eileen," the man said, his voice smooth and deceptively polite. "I am Býleistr. Loki's brother."

Eileen glared at him. "So, you're the one who had me kidnapped?"

Býleistr's expression softened, surprising her. "No. That would be my other brother, Helblindi. He is… misguided. I have come to help you. I've sent word to Loki. He will come."

"Why should I trust you?" Eileen demanded.

"Because, unlike Helblindi, I have no desire for war. Loki is my brother, and despite our differences, I will not see him suffer." Býleistr's tone was earnest, his gaze steady. "Hold on a little longer. Help is coming."

With that, he turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Eileen alone once more—but this time, with a flicker of hope.