Settling in and Adjusting
Chapter Two
"I fail to see why I have to go through with this."
The teen had not been entirely thrilled with the prospect of the trip that they were venturing towards, walking in between a rather happy Thor, a quiet Loki, and a smug looking Tony. Bruce had the decency to come along providing some relief and reassurance to the rather annoyed teenager that they were tagging along with; the others been unavailable due to business reasons. Fury had called them in. Bucky had been disapproving at being torn away from his grandson since they had just reunite, Tony had promised to fill him in on the details afterwards. There had been a flair within his steps while the five of them continued down the hall, routine and normal. For them at least.
Harry did not seem to share these sentiments. "I'm perfectly fine."
"We know," Bruce stated, gently choosing a medium road. "But we don't have any records. Think of this as just a formality than an actual check up."
"And we wanted to make sure Loki here didn't mess up your body," Tony added, unapologetically.
Loki appeared offended by that statement shooting a poisonous glare. "If you think for one moment I would have ended up harming my own child willingly, you are a touch out of reality. Stark." The snarl from his tone hovered into the air threateningly curling his hands. Animosity grew as the two held lingering stares seemingly challenging the other mentally snipping insults and jabs towards one another that were hidden by the naked eye.
"Maybe," He commended. "But at least I'm living in a reality."
That did nothing to pacify Thor, whom frowned deeply at Tony's comments yet managed to restrain himself from commenting. Nevertheless, it had not been too strange for the god of thunder to be displeased considering how close the two had been before the events of New York had gone under. Steadily the two were attempting to rekindle their relationship given previous events with Loki nearly dying to save Jane from being killed, and while things could never go back to the way that they had been before perhaps something better could be fostered between the two brothers.
"Actually," Harry stated, eyes shifting towards Loki. "That part continues to confuse me. Before you brought up that Mum and Dad used a fertility potion to conceive a child," a flash of something flickered through his eyes. "Were they having problems? I know that some Pureblood family's like the Malfoy's are constantly trying to preserve their bloodlines to keep them pure. But there are families that ended up producing squibs, that's a pureblood child being born yet incapable of casting magic, a reverse muggle-born. A child born with magic yet from non-magical parents."
Bruce had been thankfully for the short explanation as there were so many things that none of them knew about, even now the subject of magic continued to be something that eluded them all with very little making sense and now they were saddled with a teenager with the power. It had been a good thing that Harry could given them answers.
"Magic blood can become sterile through constant cycles of reproduction through contaminated bloodlines mixing together through such means of inbreeding." Loki elaborated further, ignoring the levels of disgust and horror of Bruce and Tony. He nodded with grimace. "An uncommon practice from those of hailing from Britain, and pitiful. Blinded by the hunger for power and magic many of them had forgotten as many of their ancestors more than likely did not have magic before their conception. The very first magic user on earth I believe had been around the time of Atlantis if not pre-dating even that." His eyes shifted towards Harry. "As for your question, your father was not sterile nor did suffer any problems of conceiving or your mother. Nevertheless I thought that spicing up their fertility potion would be enough to make things a tab bit easier for them to have a child and for childbirth. I never thought that my magic would in turn connect you to my own."
Tony threw him an incredulous stare. "So the all powerful trickster God didn't know what his magic could do?"
"I am not omnipotent nor know everything there is to magic. It is an art that has existed among the realms since the very first creation of everything," Loki quipped sternly. "That aside, I plan on being there for my child and teaching Haraldr everything he needs to know of his powers and heritage. However, knowing my mother and Fury, I'm sure they and Doctor Strange will have some knowledge to pass onto him."
"Haraldr?" Harry and Bruce questioned unison confused.
"Your Asgardian name. While your earth name is indeed Harry James Potter, by magic right your secondary name is Haraldr Lokison. Though," He frowned briefly. "I am uncertain as to how the All-Father will take to learning of you."
Thor seemed to share his sentiments. "My brother speaks wisdom. Keeping my nephew a secret might be within the best possibilities."
"The All-Father's mood can change day by day." Loki forewarned seriously. "Mother will easily accept you as her grandchild. Whether mortal or not, you are my son through magic and that is enough for her."
A foreboding silence enveloped the group each wearing a mask of worry and grim. Tony and Bruce had learned of the All-Father from legend had turned out to have many inaccuracies from mythos though the sheer strength and power that Thor's and Loki's father wield had been incredibly real and dangerous, as had been the seven day sleep. Neither had practically had the change to meet the All-Father, however, from the implications and stories heard from them, Jane and Darcy left the two of them wary of the possibility of Odin making an appearance. A scenario that Bruce knew that Fury would prefer to avoid at all cost. The last thing they needed had been an all-powerful deity smacking down.
Harry kept a controlled expression masking his anxiety and fears from them drawing upon a blanked stare facing forwards.
"That's a bridge we'll burn when we have to cross it," He commented nonchalantly. "Worrying about what ifs is rather pointless at the moment. For now our best bet is to continue on normally."
Bruce exchanged looks between Loki and Tony taking note of the rather calm yet dismissive attitude that Harry presented towards him. In his experiences abused children were far more likely to be mature and cautious of adults, with the history that Natasha had managed to provided them detailing their charge's life it did not seem too out of the blue to think his life had forced him to become guarded and cynical. The dull expression matched with the hardened eyes concealed by the dark locks and rims of his glasses.
"You are taking this rather well," He pointed out.
The teen shot him a deadpanned stare. "Listen, getting worked up over this won't be even remotely helpful. I get how much of a big deal Odin is. I really do! Whether or not that he ends up deeming me as a threat or an abomination has yet to be determined. And even if he does try to kill me, transfigure me or whatever, I sure as hell am not going to take it lying down." He paused. "Actually, since we're on the subject do I have any older siblings at all?"
Loki appeared confused as Tony intervened. "He's talking about the six-legged horse Selpeen-"
"Sleipnir." Bruce corrected, automatically.
"Yeah him!"
"A lot of myths have stated that you sired many children through various means and consorts." It seemed that the duty had fallen onto the scientist. "Many even state that you have a wife named Sigyn-"
Loki sighed. "The former is not true that much I can assure you. However, Sigyn is very real though our relationship has not been on the best of terms for a considerable amount of years. We have attempted on returning to mere speaking terms. She did not approve of my little show down on earth those years ago. I can guarantee that what little we have left can be described as mere acquaintances then lovers."
"Lady Sigyn prefers a distance between herself and my brother." Thor answered, and voiced his disapproval with a low growl. "It is her choice. And an understandable one at that."
"I made my bed and now I must lie in it. As they say here on earth," Loki commented, shaking his head. "There is no one to blame but myself. Besides I have moved on just as she has moved on. Dwelling senselessly upon the could be's do not particularly suit me, brother."
"The life of the broken hearted. Been there, down that and I got several tee-shirts to prove it!" Tony nodded solemnly. "We'll go to a club later."
"Tony." Bruce warned, lips pressing down in disapproval.
"Might as well go all out! Life is too short, well, maybe not for you." He shot Loki a pointed stare. "Still there are plenty of fish out there in the cosmic sea, Hornhead."
Loki sniffed. "How kind of you."
It really was. Due to contrary belief Tony was not that cruel of a person to rub in their failures and pasts unless it had been called for, in truth there were very few people like him that truly cared about others and those close to him. By no means did that make his friend perfect. It had simply his way of showing how much he cared and wanted to help. Bruce did not particularly enjoy parties though would end up joining one or two of them depending upon his mood and whether anyone of them could manage to pry him from his work to join. He could say nonetheless how enjoyable they were. Very rarely had he been allowed to roam among the streets unless it had been to fight or handling PR related issues.
The media were another thing that Bruce could not find himself caring much for these days.
"So no brothers or sisters, huh?" Harry murmured quietly.
"Are you upset?" Bruce questioned, quietly ignoring the three in the background making plans for their night out promptly ignoring I'll hire some strippers! From a certain individual.
He glanced up slightly. "I guess? I mean…. It would be nice to know that I'm not an only child, having an older sibling would be nice."
"You never know," The sometimes-Hulk began, lips curling into a teasing smile. "There are times where Tony can act like a total child-"
"HEY!"
Bruce ignored the outburst watching Harry beginning to laugh. The very first laugh that had come from the teen.
"I'll keep that in mind," Harry stated, eyes gleaming with mischief and mirth.
"You two are plotting," Tony accused pointing at them dramatically. "PLOTTERS!"
"And what if we are?" He countered, smirking. "Getting jealous, Uncle?"
Tony huffed crossing his arms. "Not getting jealous. Just wait kiddo, I'll be your favorite Uncle in no time!"
"I shalt be his favorite!" Thor declared rising to the challenge, holding up his hammer.
"Let's go Point Break!"
Bruce groaned. "Please don't let them destroy this part of the tower."
"At the very least when we aren't here." Loki added in a mutter.
"What challenge does thou propose Man of Iron?" Thor and Tony seemed to fall into their own conversation leaving the three to watch with morbid fascination hearing them trying to come up with a way to become Harry's favorite Uncle.
"Excuse me?"
A woman appeared from the door holding up a clipboard with a nurse outfit eyeing them critically. "Are you Mr. Harry Potter and Company?"
Tony instantly turned flashing one of his charming smiles. "Yes, and you must be Nurse Cliff-"
"I'm married." She commented, flatly.
"Can't blame a guy for trying." He shrugged his shoulders.
She wore an unimpressed gaze. "I've heard about your habits from the rest of the women, Mr. Stark." Nurse Cliff turned and greeted them. "And you must be, Harry correct? The doctor is ready for you now. He actually just finished."
"Thank you," Harry responded by smiling shyly.
"Try not to set anything on fire kiddo." Tony hollered watching him entering the room.
The teen glanced back. "I'm offended if you believe that I need a wand or a lighter to make fire."
"You aren't are you?" Bruce asked, warily.
He gets a stoic expression for an answer. Nothing is said afterwards as the boy heads straight into the room leaving the adults in the waiting lobby or at least, the two adults and the two children, it remained debatable whether Tony and Thor could ever truly be called adults; more on the former than later side. At times Thor proved time and time again he could be reliable and mature in emotion. Though in all due respect Tony did have his moments were his 'childish' personality had been ripped to shreds revealing the man underneath, however, they were few and far between.
On the other hand Harry proved to be mature for a teenager. Nothing could go wrong…. Right?
(1)
The physician that had been assigned to gain a look at him had been a portly man almost near the size of Vernon, waddling around with a strange gleam within his eyes which made Harry very uncomfortable. His hand twitched focusing upon the door ignoring the grunts and incoherent noises that continued to spew from his mouth. He sincerely doubted that the man even know how to speak properly given how much spit rained from those disgustingly large lips, words slurred together. He sounded drunk, actually, the further Harry thought about it, still nothing that the doctor said made any sense due to the fact he could even BEGIN to understand a single thing coming from his mouth.
"-And thahts Bhvy dis needle shall do!"
At the moment the doctor pulled out a giant syringe that extended far too long for his liking.
His eyes narrowed darkly watching as the portly doctor made his way towards him and snarled. "Question; what exactly is that syrgine being used for? Isn't this a standard check up and everything?" Harry inquired refusing to simply given in. His eyes watching the needle with uncertainty placing up his guard, a frown marred his expression. "I'm pretty sure there was nothing about me being pricked by a needle." Perhaps he had been a bit paranoid, experience on the other hand did teach him otherwise.
The doctor appeared affronted by his tone. "To dake de blood!"
"Why?"
No way was he going to give up easily.
"Vor research boy!" The doctor's annoyance surfaced. "Now shatp they questions."
Harry shook his head refusing to budge. "Not until you give me answers."
"I owe 'ou nothing. It is a vequest from SHIELD." The Doctor answered, steadily turning a nice shade of purple due to his constant questioning. "For health."
It took a great deal of control not to snort. He sincerely doubted that SHIELD truly cared whether or not about his health, somewhere along the line Harry believed that maybe his grandfather had some level of genuine worry about his overall health and maybe the rest of the Avengers but he wasn't holding his breath. Nevertheless the last time someone took his blood they did manage to resurrect Voldemort by re-creating his body. Even if this man was a normal muggle physician his life lessons always turned out to be right. Especially his instincts.
And they were shouting: Oh hell no!
"Yeah, okay… how about no?"
For a moment the Doctor appeared gobsmacked blinking rapidly before shaking his head letting out a menacing growl resuming to holding up the syringe. "I shall extract the blood!"
"Touch me with that and I guarantee it will be very, very painful experience!" Harry growled icily.
A moment passed watching the doctor show an inch of hesitation before shaking it off briefly and shot him a glare while pushing the end of the syringe moving towards him with timid determination preparing to carry out his duty.
Emerald eyes darkened.
(2)
Once again Bruce had been proven wrong. Not even five minutes in and Bucky ended up rushing from the meeting straight to the Infirmary wing dragging not just Steve, Natasha, Clint, and Sam with them but also bringing Fury and his two agents; Hills and Carter. To say things were a disaster had been an understate having been the first to see the look of horror, awe and surprise upon their faces at the destroyed office and the burnt door, remaining only in ashes upon the ground with the Doctor having been dragged away for safety from the area.
Bucky approached Harry, frowning. "This is your doing?"
"I don't appreciate being picked and poked with a giant needle that was twice the size of my arm." He countered, flatly. "Especially by some guy that couldn't explain a damn thing as the reason why. Forgive me for being cautious."
"It was a standard procedure." Hills commented, dryly shooting him a dark stare. "I'm sure the needle was nowhere near as giant as you described."
All in all Bruce had been relatively pleased at the look that appeared upon the boy's face changed from disbelief to a 'oh really?' pulling the syringe and holding up. Just as he had said, it had been mighty big. Bigger than a regular standard syringe used for checkups. Accompanied by the utterly deadpanned expression etched upon Harry only added to the scene.
"That's…. that's one big syringe." Clint commented.
Natasha pressed her lips thinly masking the disappointment that he knew coursed through her mind. "Yes." She agreed, quietly. "It is."
"Hills." Fury said, expression stony.
She saluted. "Only ready on it, sir."
"I'm coming along." Tony began, flashing a rather bone chilling smile that made all of his opponents shudder in fear. "In fact Agent Hill how about we bring Loki and Thor along too, no." It had not been a question rather a statement as she did not even manage to get a word in watching in silent confusion as the three men flowed into the room each wearing disturbing smiles.
Bucky turned to face Steve. "This is your entire fault you know."
"How is it my fault?" Poor Steve looked so confused, hurt and lost.
The brunet did not say anything instead gesturing Harry outside of the waiting lobby leaving behind Steve whom looked between them all hoping against hope that someone would provide an answer. On that cue, everyone else quickly made their hasty retreat with Sharon grabbing Sam by the wrist, practically, dragging him out and Fury picking up his pace followed by Clint and Natasha not too far behind him thus leaving himself and the resident Captain.
A pout appeared on his face. Bruce couldn't help his lips beginning to twitch unable to resist at how funny Steve looked.
"Not too much trouble, me and my big mouth!"
And then the bridge broke. Bruce laughed.
(3)
And so ends another part of the series, I STILL can't believe that this is getting popular with people. I'm really glad to hear that all of you are enjoying this and looking forward to even more, there are many ideas that I already have planned and being placed in motion so I do hope that all of you will be looking forward to future works of the Superhero Relations Series!
On that note, I have gotten asked about pairings involving Harry and Loki; for one, I did bring up Loki's initial relationship based off the comics yet chose to have him single encase of a romantic scenario ends up playing out for him sometime in the future. As at this point I have no plans for him to be paired for anyone. That could change somewhere down the line. For Harry, urgh, okay I have a feeling I'm going to get yelled at this but I also have zero plans at the moment for him to be with anyone or dating mainly due to the fact I can't stand Hinny and Drarry *shudders*, I've become extremely jaded with HPHG and I don't think I could convey Lunarry correctly. That includes no Harry x Fleur or Honks (The former I can understand somewhat but the later?) and no Harry x Slytherin/Ravenclaw/Hufflepuff/Death Eater character either.
So please, PLEASE don't hound me about pairings or anything!
That said please leave constructive criticism in your review. Until the next installment everyone!