Chapter 2
The weeks after falling to Midgard were strange but not unwelcome. He learned much about the magical world and its schooling - much about the school and its residents - and a fair amount about his bonded himself. It turned out the boy was famous - but it rankled to know he was famous for an event that had brought him such pain and that people were constantly reminding him of that pain.
He’d met the Headmaster of the school on his very first night as well as the potions master, and he could say he wasn’t particularly pleased with either. He knew the moment he met the headmaster Albus Dumbledore that the elder wizard was scheming around his young soulmate, and he did not appreciate the endangerment of children, bonded or not. As for the potions master, one Severus Snape, he had been hard pressed not to speak against him considering how he spoke to young Harry, but as Harry hadn’t seemed too upset he let it be for now.
Thor scooped some eggs into his mouth, looking out across the great hall. He could see Harry chatting amiably with his two closest friends, Ron and Hermione, and he grinned at the boy when he chanced a glance at the head table. Harry flushed but grinned right back. On his left, professor Minerva McGonagall let out a soft huff of laughter. He turned a questioning look on her, expectant, and she indulged him with a small smile.
“I’ve never seen him quite this happy before.” She admitted. “Except maybe when he’s flying.” It took Thor a minute to connect flying with the game she’d previously explained to him, quidditch. He quite like Minerva - she’d been especially welcoming, and she’d even lobbied for him to hold a class of sorts of his own - Mythology and the Stars. It was in the evenings after sundown a few times a week. After all, she’d argued, who better to teach the stories of the stars than someone who’d lived many of them? And she didn’t believe in anyone being idle.
Then he caught on to just what she’d said.
“Was he not happy then? Before?” Before his arrival - before he truly believed he had a soulmate. Minerva shrugged elegantly, but her frown was telling.
“Those muggles,” And she stopped herself, offering him an apologetic look. “His non-magical relatives,” she corrected, “they hate him.” And there was bitterness in her voice. A ferocious anger that flashed briefly in her eyes that surprised him.
“Why have you allowed him to live there if you knew they mistreated him?” Because he knew that’s what she meant by her words. He also knew it explained Harry’s visceral reactions to some things; how he flinched if someone moved too quickly just out of sight, how he always seemed to know exactly where the exit was.
“I haven’t a choice.” She snapped, then softened her voice, apologetic once more. “He needs the protection only blood can offer.” She admitted. And he’d heard by now the story of Harry’s fame - of how his mother and father stood between him and death knowing it meant their own end in turn.
“I am more his than any other.” Thor said then, without really thinking, because he was literally the other half of Harry’s soul, as Harry was the other half of his. She blinked at him, surprised, before a light lit in her gaze, and a small smile curved her lips.
“I dare say you’re right, Mr. Odinson.”
“Please, Lady Minerva. I would have you address me by name as you have allowed me the same courtesy.” And her cheeks flushed a soft pink but she nodded. They didn’t speak of the matter again, but Thor knew the look of someone turning an idea around in their thoughts and Minerva had that look.
After breakfast, when Thor had decided he would like to explore more of the castle, he was surprised to find Harry waiting for him, looking rather nervous. Thor offered his hand and Harry was quick to take it, fingers gripping his nearly as tightly as they had that very first night. Thor didn’t say anything until they’d wandered together out onto the grounds, well out of earshot of everyone else.
“Is everything alright, Harry?” He often found himself at odds, having to ask. It had never been something he’d been particularly good at - guessing at the moods of others. It had always been a skill of his brother really, but he found himself wanting to learn, if only so he could help Harry as he grew. Harry shrugged, and the look he shot him was pinched with worry. “You know there is nothing you could tell me that would turn me against you.” He reminded him, for what felt like the millionth time, but he knew he’d say it a million more if that’s what it took for Harry to believe him.
“I know.” And Harry said it with such surety, and with the hints of a smile. It filled Thor with warmth.
“Then what is it that troubles you?” Harry didn’t answer right away. It was clear he wanted to share whatever it was on his mind, but it was equally as clear that whatever it was, Thor would probably not like it. Else Harry wouldn’t be so hesitant.
“If I told you Voldemort wasn’t dead, what would you say?” Thor stopped in his tracks, turning to fully face Harry.
“Is it true? Is the one who murdered your family alive?” It filled him with such a burning rage he had to force through it to make sure he didn’t miss a single thing Harry said - a single expression he made. Harry’s face held that pinched expression once more before he nodded.
“Yes. At least, we’re pretty sure.” Thor didn’t have to ask who the ‘we’ was. “We think he’s not really fully alive, but half, I guess. But that he’s trying to come back. Completely.”
“How?”
“The philosophers stone.” And then the story just tumbled from Harry’s lips, everything that had happened since the beginning of the year - the troll - the nightmares he still had - the mirror he’d found and what he’d seen. He told him about the detention and what they’d encountered in the forest and Fluffy -
“It seems you were bound for adventure even before you met me.” Thor interrupted with a grin when Harry paused for breath. Harry stared at him for just long enough he feared he’d jested in poor taste before Harry burst out laughing.
“I guess so.” Then he beamed at Thor, pleased as punch, and Thor could do nothing but beam right back.
“Right then. What would you have me do?” And that earned Harry’s surprise.
“Do?” And it was clear he hadn’t really meant to ask, but Thor was proud of the fact that Harry was getting comfortable enough with him to speak without really thinking. He’d realized, the more time he spent with Harry, that he’d been far luckier than most to be allowed such freedom.
“You did not think I would allow you to partake in such a task by yourself, did you?” He asked, making sure to keep his tone soft. “I would help you, if you’ll allow it.”
“You can do whatever you want.” Was Harry’s immediate reply, but Thor shook his head.
“No. I will not intervene unless you allow it. This is your task. You have solved this mystery. It is your quest. I am only welcome upon your invitation.”
“But you’re a grown up.”
“I am also your soulmate.” Thor returned easily. “You have as much control over me as I do you.” Harry blinked at him, looking distraught. “What I mean is - I have no control over you, beyond what I would ask of you. But you always have the ability to decline, do you not?” Harry nodded slowly. “As your bonded, it is much the same. Though the reverse, in this case. I would like to aid you in your task. Will you allow it?” Harry stared at him with such wide, solemn green eyes before he nodded. As soon as he’d done so he launched forward, catching Thor by surprise and hugging him tightly.
“Thank you.” Thor realized it wasn’t the help he’d offered he was being thanked for, but for allowing Harry the choice. Not trusting his voice, Thor just hugged him back.
>>>
“Heimdall.” Thor called, standing in the very place he’d fallen to Earth. He realized he hadn’t even looked for a way home since he’d found Harry - hadn’t even really thought to ask for guidance. “I am not calling on you to come home. I know now that I have made mistakes, and that I must learn from them. I would ask a favour though. I would ask that you call Loki for me. There are Seidr on this planet and I do not know nearly enough about their ways to be much help. But - as I am sure you have seen - I have found my bonded. He is in danger - hunted - by a man who is said to control great magicks. I would seek my brother’s council.” he bowed his head, unsure of whether he should say more, and then he gave a wry smile. This was what he still had to learn, he supposed. “Thank you.” he said to the sky instead, and then he turned and walked back to the castle.
>>>
“Thor.” Harry, hidden by the chair who’s back was to the figure, all but fell out of his chair in his haste to spin around, wand in hand and pointing at the intruder to Thor's private sitting room. The man in the doorway lifted a brow of surprise before a small smile curled his lips in amusement. “So this is your bonded.” Harry glanced at Thor and the blonde immediately stepped forward, placing a hand on Harry’s shoulder.
“You have nothing to fear, Harry. This is my brother, Loki. I called to him, seeking his council.” Harry just looked back at Loki, still not speaking, and Loki, in turn, frowned at Harry.
“How old are you?” He asked, tilting his head as he regarded him. Harry looked up at Thor again, but when Thor smiled encouragingly, he finally spoke.
“11.”
“Fascinating.” he came forward then and Harry jerked back, colliding with Thor who steadied him easily. Loki raised his hands in the universal sign of surrender, but he crouched down so he was eye to eye with Harry.
“You’ve not one but two magical signatures on your person. Only one of which reflects your true age.” Loki informed him, and Harry blinked back.
“How?” Loki lifted a hand but didn’t reach out, looking at Harry instead. When Harry gave a slow nod of permission, Loki reached out, touch gentle, and brushed his fingers against Harry’s lightning bolt scar. The pulse of pain was brief and intense and Harry realized he must have lost consciousness briefly because next thing he knew he was sitting in the chair once more, Thor at his side but Loki kneeling in front of him now.
“My sincerest apologies.” Loki offered, frown in place. “I had no idea it would fight even the touch of magic.” Harry blinked, his head pounding, but he cleared his throat. He had questions.
“What - what is it?”
“A piece of a soul.” Loki said, glancing at Thor. Harry followed his gaze and saw Thor looked beyond enraged. He shrank back from it. If he had someone else's soul attached to him -
“Does that mean you aren’t really my soulmate?” He asked, voice small, and it was Loki who answered with a scoff.
“Ignore him.” he ordered, making Harry jump. “His reaction to everything is anger first because he is an oaf who uses brute strength when cunning would do. The piece of soul that inhabits your scar has no affect on your splitting.” Loki cast a glare at Thor though his words were aimed at Harry. “He clearly has no idea that you would regard his anger as directed at you when you clearly know as little about soul magic as he does.” Harry wasn’t certain if he was supposed to be insulted by that or not.
“I’m trying to learn.” he admitted. “But the books are locked up. And I’ve only been able to sneak in once or twice.” and his cheeks pinked. Loki smirked, the expression pleased.
“Well, you’ve certainly got the brains between the two of you. If you’d like, I can provide you with the sorts of books I imagine you’re looking for. That this place would keep them from you only proves their inadequacy.” then he waved a hand, clearly done with the subject for now as his sharp gaze focused on Harry’s scar once more.
“Could the piece of soul cause nightmares?” Thor interrupted, and Harry looked back up at him in surprise. Thor placed a hand on his shoulder, expression apologetic. Harry leaned into the touch, accepting.
“Of course. What do you see in your nightmares?” Harry was silent, looking at his hands, face pale. He’d told Thor about his nightmares, but it felt weird telling his brother. The brother he’d only just met. He looked back at Loki who was watching him patiently, and realized that Thor obviously really trusted Loki if he’d called for him, and he trusted Thor.
“My mum. When she dies. I hear her scream my name. Then a laugh. Then bright green light. Then my scar hurts so much I wake up.” Loki’s expression had grown more and more severe as he’d spoken and he nodded, looking back to Thor.
“The wizard you called me for.” and it wasn’t really a question, but Thor nodded.
“I did not realize-” but Loki waved off his words before he could even really speak them. He looked back to Harry.
“Do you want to stop him?” and Harry frowned.
“Of course.” but Loki’s expression hadn’t changed, was just watching him, expectant. Harry took a deep breath, trying to organize his thoughts. He was only 11, he’d never considered the fact that he might have to make such a decision. He was fairly sure he was too young to really make it properly, but both of these people were looking to him for a decision. He wondered if it was a test. Harry took a breath.
“He killed my parents.” he said slowly, brow scrunched in focus. “I think he killed a lot of people, really, and he tried to kill me. I think people are so scared they won’t even say his name, which means if he really did come back he would try to kill people again. All he cares about is power. He just wants to control everyone. Killing people because you want power is wrong.” and Harry nodded, firm, confident now. “It’s wrong. I want to stop him.” and when he met the gaze of both brother’s, they were watching him with varied expressions of pride.
“Very well. In order to stop him, we’ll have to make sure there is nothing tethering him to this world. Fortunately for us, he is tethered here, to your scar. With that, we can find and make sure there is nothing else left of him in this world - then I can remove the fragment from you as well. What do you say?” and Harry nodded fervently. Loki stood then, looking at Thor, and his expression was amused.
“It seems even in banishment you manage to involve yourself in world changing events.” Thor grinned, wide and bright.
“This journey is that of my bonded.” he boasted, and Loki rolled his eyes. “I am only able to join because he gave his permission.” Loki turned a curious gaze on Harry once more.
“He asked to join you?” Harry nodded, confused.
“He said it’s always my choice.” he didn’t really understand why Loki’s expression went all soft, or why he reached out then to clap a hand to Thor’s shoulder.
“I will join you properly in a day’s time.” and then with that, he disappeared from sight. Harry just blinked at Thor who smiled at him in turn.
“It would seem we have a proper quest on our hands.” Harry offered a tentative smile back.
“Onwards?” Harry asked, almost cautious, mimicking their first decision to stay together. Thor ruffled his hair, pleased and affectionate in his agreement.
“Onwards.”