Harry's day wasn't finished. He immediately went to the holding cell that had been created specifically with Thanos in mind. It was re-enforced with magic, Adamantium, some Uru bars that Eitri donated under the condition that they be returned and finally, when it was closed with Thanos inside, it was put out of phase. Only Harry would be able to retrieve or move him. They had considered Vibranium, but decided against it since it would resist the magic that kept the cell and Thanos out of phase.
Then he went to the medical centre and spent four hours working on the injured. They were all safely in stasis, but that didn't make it any easier on Harry. He'd known there would be injuries and casualties, but he still felt responsible. He worked on the most injured first and they almost ran out of their meagre supply of Phoenix tears, but by the time he was finished, he was assured that the medical staff and Doctor Lovegood, as they'd nicknamed Luna, could handle the rest. She'd wanted to be called a Healer, but that simply didn't fly. She knew some things that set her a couple of steps above their most qualified Doctors, with what she could heal. She wasn't even a qualified mediwitch. Definitely more qualified than Harry, even though he made up for lack of knowledge with application of way more power.
He was also very pleased to hear Hela had recovered, after Fawkes had appeared to give her some of his tears and Luna had assisted with her own magic. It had been a close thing though and he was glad to hear she was a model patient under May's care now. She would be released in a couple of hours, after the phoenix tears had finished what they were doing.
When he was done with that, he went to speak with Fury to get the Butcher's Bill.
"Agent Potter." Fury greeted him.
"Give me a number, Fury." Harry said.
Fury didn't like being spoken to like that, but considering what Harry had just been through, he relented. "Just over three hundred dead."
Harry looked up sharply. "Really?" he asked. He would have thought it would be a much higher number.
"Yes, really." Fury said. "What did you expect would happen with how you set up redundant backups for emergency extractions?"
"But I saw so many get hurt?" Harry asked with some relief, but wondering how it was possible.
"Luna and Fawkes were already fixing people when they started showing up. I suspect they were both pushing themselves, but the battle lasted only roughly twenty minutes and we were prepared for twice the size of the army that Thanos brought. As it is, there will be a few people with artificial limbs, but with what we have, they won't even notice the difference." Fury informed him. Then he put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "You did really well, Harry. Without you and what you bring, I don't even know that we would have won."
Harry had closed his eyes in relief and was slightly shocked when he felt Natasha take his hand. She had yet to leave his side, but he was in such a rush to save as many as he could and to find out what this war had cost, that he had actually forgotten she was there for a while. He turned instantly and hugged her tight. "It's finally over, Nat."
"Not quite." Fury interrupted. "We still need to discuss what we're going to do with those Stones."
"That's not a problem." Harry said after a while. He just wanted a moment, but he knew Fury needed answers. "While they are with me, nobody can use them. Not even I can."
"Nobody can get into his pouch either, not while he's alive." Natasha said.
"So in a couple of thousand years, when you die?" Fury asked.
"Won't happen." Harry said. "We can discuss that another time. For now, it stays between us, okay?"
Fury hadn't known that, but he decided to ask later. He knew Harry had never been in this kind of battle, not to mention the hundreds of thousands of enemies he had set ablaze with what Harry himself had admitted was a dark spell, even if they were already dead. He knew he would need a break and possibly counselling. Who better than his family, on an island where he rested best. Fury intended to take some R&R as well as soon as he could, but he still had work to do before that.
Harry still needed to go speak to their different allies, so he decided to get that sorted first, before going to Asgard, where there was most likely already a party going. Loki had already left to go join them. First, he went to go check on Magneto again.
"Mister Potter." Erik said from his bed, where he was told to stay for a couple of hours while they confirmed he was stable. "Please tell your people that I'm capable of leaving?"
Harry sent a spell at him to confirm and could find nothing wrong with him, but May Parker appeared by his side before he could say anything. "Mister Lehnsherr is to stay in his bed until he is cleared and he knows that, don't you mister Lehnsherr?" she asked dangerously. "You're not trying to go over my head, now, are you?"
Harry lifted his hands in defeat, "This is your ward, May. I wouldn't dream of contradicting you."
Erik looked between the two of them in confusion, but then finally gave it up. "Fine." he grumbled. "Can you at least tell me what happened?" he asked. He had not expected to get blown away, especially while he was invisible.
"After you were knocked out, Quicksilver, who I'm told you may know, cut off both his arms while Captain Marvel distracted him. After that, it was a simple thing to get the Gauntlet and secure it." Harry said.
"And his army?" Erik asked.
"Rocket from the Guardians of the Galaxy used a micro black-hole to dispatch the remaining army after our allies withdrew and then Harry burned the corpses to dust with a spell." Natasha said for him.
"A single spell?" Erik asked with big eyes.
"Demonic fire. Doesn't stop burning until it's eaten its target, completely." Natasha said. Harry never liked talking about using such dark spells. "He had to wait till Thanos was not in possession of the Stones, though, since they counter each-other's power."
Erik was quiet then. Such power this young man held. It was a shame he couldn't be swayed. Oh, well. After a couple of moments of thought, he asked, "Would you say that I have fulfilled the requirements of my promise to assist?"
Harry nodded easily. "You have, and I'll start making time to come to… your island… to start helping the enhanced there."
Natasha smirked. "He would have done that anyway."
"But thanks to your assistance and involvement, you have secured for yourself a big part of history in the protection of all sentient life throughout the universe." Harry said quickly. "This is a big step in the right direction and will help the plight of enhanced everywhere on the planet. You couldn't buy such publicity."
"He's right." Natasha continued. "If you play your cards right, you may be one of the people who finally unite humans and enhanced the world over, one day."
Erik was quiet then, as he considered their words. Finally a small smile appeared on his face. "You really are just trying to help everyone you can, aren't you?"
"It's what he does." Natasha said proudly.
"Don't think, for a moment, that your contribution wasn't a large one." Harry said. "We needed that cuff on him, to distract him, while we put things in motion and he was wonderfully distracted and powerless at just the right time."
They finished their conversation and left a portkey for Erik to take home, with May. He was still not happy about being treated like a child, but after Harry had backed off from May, Erik didn't push her anymore. Now he was trying to be charming to get her to release him. It didn't help him, but it made May's life a little easier.
Next Harry went to the X-Men, who were already back at the institute. Not one of them had been injured and when Jean realised they were using magic to heal the injured, she had decided not to offer her help, but she had stayed for a while to observe and had decided that she would like Harry to set them up with some of what she'd seen, or at least give them access to EPI's medical facilities.
"Harry!" one of the teens shouted when he walked into the cafeteria, where Charles was answering questions about the battle, even though he refused to share his memory of the events, since there was much death and gore. Quicksilver instantly returned Urubane, which he had held on to and had been showing off to the kids. Harry was glad to note he had at least cleaned it up first.
"Hey there, kiddos." Harry greeted when they all cheered at his entry.
"Did you really defeat him?" one of the kids shouted out.
"Actually, I was there as backup only. The other heroes did all the work." Harry said modestly.
"Until you burned half his army away with one spell." Pietro chuckled under his breath.
That didn't stop one of the enhanced kids to hear it and started whispering to inform his friends. "Did you have to say that? They were mostly all dead anyway." Harry said.
Pietro smiled unrepentantly. "If you were alone, I have no doubt you'd still have won." Pietro said.
"That would defeat the point though, wouldn't it?" Natasha asked. "The next bad guy that decides to bring a fight, will have to consider that, while Harry could defeat them easily, he didn't need to raise a finger to defend our world. His first plan was to fight Thanos and his armies alone."
"Nobody would listen to me!" Harry complained. "It would have been so much easier. His powers don't work on me and I could handle his armies. Hell, Hela could have handled his entire army on her own."
"Same problem, love." Natasha said. "We needed to prove that we could handle it. We can't expect you to fight all our battles for us."
"And your friends would never allow you to fight alone." Charles said from where he stood at the front of the cafeteria.
"That's just what happens when you make friends and allies on every planet you visit." Scott said with a smile.
"That's right." Natasha said. "I hear Nova Prime is trying to convince Fury to get the Council of Earth to join their alliance of planets. Fury isn't sure they are ready. He wants all the countries of the planet on the Council first."
"That'll never happen." Pietro scoffed.
"I think he knows that." Natasha said.
"Perhaps he simply has hope for the future?" Charles offered. "I have no doubt that EPI can make a difference in any country. In a couple of years, the Council of Earth may be well have representatives from everywhere on the planet."
"We don't overthrow dictatorships." Harry said. "We help the people, though, so with enough time…" he trailed off. 'Maybe the people of the planet will start helping themselves.' he finished in his head.
With his visit complete Harry transported them to the Lunar base, where he knew the Guardians had been given permanent comfortable quarters, for all the help they had given SWORD over the last two years. He found them in their common room, where they were gathered around their private bar, drinking a few drinks and toasting to the impending death of the Mad Titan.
Nebula and Gamora had wanted to kill him the moment they could, but they trusted Harry and he had informed them of the protections on his cell. There was no doubt he would be sentenced to death. They had only requested front row seats.
"Hi guys." Harry called.
"Harry!" all of them cheered.
"Come, join us for a drink!" Peter invited.
"Sorry, guys." Harry apologised.
"We're just making the rounds." Natasha said. "We'll probably end up on New Asgard for a celebration with our family." Natasha still felt a thrill at saying that. She had a family.
"If they are fine with it, I'll open a portal for you to join us." Harry said. Then he looked at Rocket, "If you're really nice, I'm sure Odin will allow you a sip of his Odin's Brew."
"I've been wanting to try that." Rocket said with interest. "I hear it tastes like magic."
"So I've been told." Harry said. "It's too strong for me to really enjoy." Then he looked at Rocket with a serious look. "We're going to have to talk about that stunt with the black hole at some point."
"Sorry, Harry. I can't do that." Rocket said with a smile. "Fury already contracted that information away. I'm not allowed to play with singularities anymore either."
Harry was both shocked and not surprised. He could understand Fury jumping on it instantly, but was surprised Rocket had willingly signed the contract. "Why?" he asked with narrowed eyes.
"He thinks that I'll do something stupid, like kill everyone on Earth while I experiment or that someone will get one of my weapons. I don't understand it myself. Singularities have been properly studied and I know enough not to make mistakes, but I can understand that the idea scares your feeble human minds." Rocket joked.
Harry had a calculating look on his face. "That wasn't a black hole, was it?" he asked in realisation. Rocket smiled and took a sip of his drink. "You know what? Let's just say I believe you and then ask you very, very nicely to not play with whatever that was again."
Rocket still didn't answer, but winked at him very openly. "Let's go, before he decides to say something that will scar us for life." Natasha suggested. Rocket was seriously scary sometimes. It was also the reason why Harry didn't trust him with his own super-sized MSC Shell. He'd probably blow it up to see what happens. Not even Harry knew what that would do.
They next stopped at the Baxter Building. Ben, Alicia, Sue and Reed were comfortably seated while they discussed what Reed had learned from the ship. Apparently he had downloaded their entire database, before the ship was destroyed. When Harry and Natasha turned up they were greeted with grins all around and they were told that Johnny had gone on a date. Apparently battle got him all revved up.
"It's fascinating, really." Reed was saying, continuing his discussion on what he had found. "Their ship had the full schematics and explanation on how the Jump Points worked. I'll be able to use the technology to increase our own space capabilities."
"You haven't been in contact with EPI's Space Exploration division, have you?" Natasha asked.
When Reed shook his head, Harry explained. "We incorporated space expansion runes with telescopes and enabled our ships with portals to go where they see. We'll be starting a new space program as early as next year and instant travel to anywhere you can imagine will become quite possible with just a little bit of transit time for initial voyages."
"Really, who do you have leading the program?" Reed asked.
"Have you heard of Jane Foster?" Harry asked.
"Wasn't that Thor's girlfriend?" Ben asked. He was an astronaut and he had heard some things.
"They broke up." Natasha said. "Don't mention it to him, he's still touchy about it."
"Anyway, she was still studying the bifrost when the convergence happened. She's now working on creating the same portals as I do with technology. Until then, we've hired her as our mission control director for deep-space exploration. She's really excited." Harry said.
"Just imagine what we can learn?" Reed said, getting a far-off look in his eyes.
"I think you've learned enough for one day." Sue said with a smile. Then she turned to Harry. "Where's the party?" she asked, knowing there would be a celebration somewhere.
"We're thinking New Asgard will have the biggest party, but we need permission to invite people." Harry apologised.
"Like they will say no to you." Ben laughed. "We'll get dressed and be ready for a portal." he promised.
Harry chuckled, conceding the point. After all, if New Asgard didn't want the guests, he could certainly throw his own party.
Next they went to Xandar. Harry had had to stop by the base to pick up the still comatose form of Thanos. He was surprised to see his arms had started growing back. It was kind of gross, with how they looked like baby arms sticking out the sides of his body. He shuddered and opened a portal. A whole regiment of Magic Ops troopers, geared up to the teeth with weapons, escorted the special holding cell Thanos was in and it had been agreed that they would not leave the prisoner until they were relieved by another unit from EPI.
When they arrived at the designated landing spot by the ruined building of the Nova corps HQ, Harry winced. He knew he had forgotten something. He spent the next hour focussing his magic on reconstructing the building with a constant application of repairing spells. Natasha made a note that he make a Reparo Spell Shell for the Magic Ops. He really shouldn't need to do this on his own. His time was more valuable than that, even if it was invaluable to the Nova Corps.
That didn't stop him now and by the end of the hour everything was up and running again. Harry was surprised their technology was all in working order as well, but Nova Prime, when she arrived and was shocked to see their HQ was standing again, informed him that Rocket had asked them a small premium (read hefty sum) to inscribe runes on everything to negate magical malfunction. Harry didn't understand how he had fixed the building with those in place, until he was given an example of the rune and discovered he had modified it, much like Tony had, to allow magical repair, without causing interference with the functioning of the individual parts. Like on his nanite suit.
Thanos was soon delivered to a secure holding cell, on which Harry placed two separate Fidelius spells. Thanos couldn't get out and only designated and contracted people would be allowed to see in.
They were congratulated on a well-earned victory and Harry was annoyed to note everyone was now saluting him, much as everyone at EPI did. He'd get Fury for that one day.
They left after confirming everything was running smoothly and that the injured troops they had were being well taken care of. They also found out the date of the trial for Thanos. Apparently the Nova Corps were bringing representatives of some of the worlds Thanos had already culled, so that they could see justice served and report back to their people. Harry thought it was a good plan.
Their next stop was Wakanda. The celebration was already in full swing and Harry found T'Challa animatedly talking to M'Baku about their respective parts in the battle. They hadn't been spotted and Harry walked up to them quietly. The Dora Milaje let Harry through with nods when he approached and he stepped up behind the chatting pair.
"Couldn't wait to be injured could you?" Harry asked M'Baku, who turned quickly with a look of alarm, only to sigh in relief, when he realised it was Harry.
"You are too quiet." M'Baku complained, even as he smiled at Harry.
"You are too loud." T'Challa joked at M'Baku. Then he took Harry's hand and shook it. "You did really well, King Harry. Congratulations and thank you."
"I didn't do as much as you." Harry objected.
Natasha didn't say anything. She just rolled her eyes and shook her head, when T'Challa looked at her in question. M'Baku, however, responded. "You just defeated a man with infinite power, with your own strengths. Tales of our victory will be sung by our people for generations. One day, when my spirit dwells in the Armband of Hanuman, I will tell my descendants of you, still." he promised.
"As will I." T'Challa agreed. "Our tribes see you as a wise man and a High Priest. To not learn from you would bring shame to our ancestors."
"Well, I did have many smart people discussing what needed to be done. I just followed their plan and it worked." Harry said.
"That's enough." Natasha interrupted. "You're never the one that did most the work Harry. We know you like to believe that, but it's simply not true and if I have to listen to you putting your own part in the battle down, one more time, I'll hit you." she said exasperatedly.
"Sorry." Harry said, feeling thoroughly chastised. He knew his power had a large impact, but he didn't want to take credit for all the death that happened. He was still certain he could have handled the whole situation on his own. He realised it wouldn't help Earth in the long run, but still, it felt like too many were lost, even if their fatalities were fairly low, considering the size of the opposing army.
"Your woman is a good suit for you." M'Baku said. "She knows when to put you in your place. With a strong woman like that, you will have strong children to make your kingdom proud."
"Not you too!" Harry complained. "Why is everyone pressing for us to have children? We'll start having children when we are good and ready."
"Making heirs for your kingdom is the duty of a King." T'Challa said. "And when you have many, maybe one of mine can marry one of yours. It can only make our kingdoms stronger."
"Who says you will be king when they have children?" M'Baku asked, but with a bit of humour. "When the time comes, their children will have their pick from my own, when I sit on the throne." he boasted.
"We'll see." T'Challa said with a tolerant smile.
Harry and Natasha greeted a few of their friends, but soon left, when they had confirmed that everyone seemed in good spirit and everyone was okay.
Next they appeared at Avengers Manor, for their last stop before new Asgard. Nobody was there, but there was a note on the table, telling Harry to hurry up and join the party on New Asgard. He chuckled and apparated them to the Island, for a change of clothing first. From there, they took a carpet to the floating city of new Asgard. The island had been suspiciously quiet.
When they passed Heimdall, still at his post, he smiled and got onto the carpet, when he was invited. He now had a permanent portkey to and from his post, but he had apparently been waiting for Harry and Natasha. He directed them to the Plaza, as every single citizen of Asgard had been invited to the festivities.
When they approached, an enormous cheer broke out as people clapped their hands and hailed the man who had led them to victory, even as Thor had led the Asgardians, people thought of Harry as the General that had stood in the back and made the sacrifice of not engaging in the battle to ensure their victory. A noble sacrifice.
When Harry landed, before he was engulfed by a hug from his mother, he noted some nymphs and elves mixed in with the crowd. Even Luna was chatting happily with Loki, while her 'personal guard' of elves stood nearby and watched them like hawks.
"Oh, Harry!" Frigga said as she hugged the stuffing out of him. "You make us so proud!" she said.
"Indeed!" Odin said over her shoulder. "The battle was well fought and I enjoyed seeing Thanos so thoroughly beaten."
"Loki?" Harry asked.
"Indeed." Odin said. "He's been showing any and all the memory on that magical tablet of his."
"He must have 'borrowed' mine." Harry said. "I have yet to give him one." He glared over to Loki, who had the sense to smile at him nervously, knowing what they were talking about, because all of them were looking at him.
"Don't be upset with him." Frigga insisted. "He was very proud to tell people that he was there by your side protecting you and your lady, while you kept abreast of everything that was going on."
"He did his family proud." Odin agreed. "And he wielded Gungnir with finesse and restraint. I could not be prouder of all my sons and daughters this day."
"Thank you, father." Hela said as she approached them. "It has been a while, but I find it still warms my heart to hear those words, despite myself. Especially with the man you have become."
"My daughter." Odin said, with a sad look on his face. "I can never apologise enough for the way you were treated. Had it not been for your youngest brother, I would have probably never seen the error in my ways."
"You are forgiven father." Hela said after a moment. It seemed like it had taken her a moment to gather the strength to say it, but her face softened and her shoulders sagged as if a great weight had been lifted.
"Rejoice!" Odin yelled suddenly, as he grabbed her in a tight hug. She stiffened instantly, but relaxed after a moment. "For the sons and daughters of Asgard have all returned home!" Odin was openly weeping in a display of heartfelt gratitude. And the cheers that erupted from the assembled guests were both for the display of emotion as it was for the cheer from Odin. Many ladies were also crying at the display and their men were soon hugging them too, as they all felt the emotion that was suddenly so overwhelming. None had apparently noticed as Fawkes appeared and broadcast the emotions so that they could all feel what Odin and his daughter, finally reconciled, were feeling.
When the hug broke, Hela turned to walk away, but Frigga caught her arm. "Please stay. We want you here. We are your family." she implored.
Hela made a movement that looked suspiciously like she was wiping tears before turning and re-joining them. She didn't speak, but the small smile on her face was enough to ensure to Frigga that she had done the right thing. Odin took his own bottle and poured a drink for his daughter, who took it graciously with a nod and took a sip. It was Odin's Brew, the finest Odin could offer and she had yet to taste its like. She thoroughly enjoyed the drink and was soon enjoying the company as Thor and Loki told of their parts in the battle.
Harry had asked if he could invite some of his friends from the battle and Thor didn't even need to ask who. He simply asked him why they weren't there yet and laughed when Harry looked at him strangely. Soon the Fantastic Four and the X-Men joined. T'Challa had politely declined, though, wanting to stay with his people while they feasted as well. Eitri and the Dwarves easily agreed as well. Harry hadn't wanted them in the battle, since he considered them an endangered species, due to the fact that there was little more than three hundred of them. The Nova Corps were busy re-establishing contact with every system in their headquarters and declined politely.
Harry had had to make a portal so that they could retrieve some alcohol that worked for mere mortal men, but it was hardly a hardship. When Tony walked up to Harry and whispered something in his ear, he smiled broadly and nodded. They soon left and returned with Harry levitating many large, heavy kegs in front of himself.
"What's this?" Odin asked.
Harry cast around quickly, as if to ensure that nobody could hear and whispered, "Thor's addition to my elemental line of alcohol."
"Truly?!" Odin whispered far too loudly for Harry's comfort.
"Yes." Harry said as he grinned despite himself. "It's an Ale."
Harry tapped one and poured a large drink into a quart glass. Odin knew how this normally worked, so he stood in front and as people noticed him, they grew quiet. Once there was silence, Odin spoke up, "Asgard and guests. Welcome to the feast!" many people cheered, but most were silently looking at Odin and the glass of dark amber liquid in his hand. All of them knew Ale when they saw it.
"For many years now, Prince Harry has introduced us to his creations of magical drink and he has once again striven to bring us another sample of his ingenuity. I must, however, before he corrects me again, point out that all of these drinks were created in collaboration with his friends Tony Stark and Bruce Banner, who join us today for its unveiling. Would you please stand up and be recognized?" Odin asked and the two mentioned walked up to the front to be seen.
"Indeed they have re-created the marvel of Firewhiskey and Odin's Brew, a drink of fire and calm, and strove to create Loki's Breath, a drink that cools your body and helps counter the fatigue a day of training and labour leaves you with. Furthermore they created Frigga's Embrace, a drink that brings the feeling of home and welcome, with a gentle breeze to welcome you.
"Now, I have yet to taste this drink, an Ale called Thor's Feast, which I'm told would represent Thor in Harry's never-ending quest to represent his family and the elements which I agree, suits them best. If my guess is correct this will represent Earth, to finish out the four elements, along with Fire, Water and Air." At Harry's nod, Odin continued, "Indeed let us not tarry and taste this drink."
Odin lifted it to his face and smelled the brew. It smelled sweet with a hint of fruit. He then brought it to his lips and took a drink. The crowd was silent as they awaited the verdict. Odin took a moment and a rumble was heard from his stomach, before a large belch escaped his lips, while his eyes widened as the rumble ended. Those closest to Odin had looked to their feet as they had apparently felt the rumble coming from there.
When they looked up, Odin was smiling. "Success!" he cried to the approval and cheering from all those gathered. "It is a flavourful and robust drink, which leaves me feeling quite merry and strong enough for even an Asgardian to appreciate! Beware though, for not giving offense to your ladies as the drink settles in your stomach, for it seems it might have consequences to their frail hearing!" he laughed and looked at Harry, feeling quite cheerful.
As the crowd of people followed Thor to where he was first in line to try the Thor's Feast, Odin turned to Harry. "So, Odin, calm with fire, Loki, cool and refreshing, Frigga, welcome and breezy, and Thor, strong and cheerful?"
"It's what I think suits you best." Harry shrugged. "Though, to be honest, I was struggling with the Ale. It uses a completely different method to produce and we needed to experiment with things that would best represent Thor. This one does not create any effects that can be used in conjunction with the other elements represented."
"I think you were quite successful in your attempt and I'm thoroughly enjoying the feeling of this merry drink." Odin complemented. "Though, the belch may be a bit much." he reprimanded lightly.
"Actually, the Ale doesn't have a magical effect that makes you belch. That's just the Ale's natural carbonation." Harry chuckled. Odin wasn't amused, but he was still quite cheerful, thanks to the drink.
"Let's not tell your mother that, then." Odin whispered conspiratorially.
"Too late." Natasha said from Harry's side looking next to Odin, where Frigga was standing.
"I shall endeavour to forget that you were encouraging our son to lie to me." Frigga said with a bit of humour as she took the glass from Odin's hand and tasted the drink for herself. The rumble did occur again. "My word!" she exclaimed, holding a hand over her stomach.
"The rumbling, however, is part of the magic." Harry said with a bit of a smirk. "Can't have Earth unrepresented, and what is better than an earthquake?"
Frigga quickly handed the drink back to Odin, even as she tried to hide her smile. "Such an unrefined drink… for women at least." she allowed.
"I don't know." Natasha said. "I've tried some of their first attempts and find it goes down well after a meal. Gives the stomach less to rumble about and it goes down smoothly. I kind of enjoy it." She then turned to Harry and asked, "What will you call the normal one?"
"To sell on Earth?" Harry asked. When Natasha nodded, he said, "We were just going to call it SPB Dark Ale. I don't know that it needs another name. The magical ingredients are still unique and the flavour will still be incomparable."
"We'll start raking it in with this." Tony added. "We ended up having to set up an entire brewery for it, with contracted individuals and a special section just for the Asgardian variety, but I'm thinking people will be wanting a taste." Tony then chuckled, "I hear some triad boss wanted the entire first shipment and offered quite a bit of money. He'll receive the first shipment, but then, when he sees the price we're selling the stuff at, he'll start 'complaining'."
"Won't that put your lives in danger?" Loki asked with a bit of a mischievous smile. "Surely he'll see it as a slight on himself and send assassins."
"We're already on so many hit-lists as it is." Bruce shrugged. "Medicine, transport, power, communications, alcohol and even oil companies have it out for us, because of all we're doing."
"EPI is permanently kept in the know." Bucky said as he joined them. "I've been helping the special ops teams, who take down the Assassins. So far, we've signed many of them into contracts and on the rare occasion that they refuse, they've been handed over to the countries that want them prosecuted the most."
"Bucky?" Harry asked. "Why did nobody tell me?"
"Special ops, Harry." Tony said. "Did you really think Fury would let there be a threat to his golden goose?"
"Harry is an asset and a friend." Fury corrected as he walked up with a new guest. "Your majesties, Stark, Banner, Barnes. Please meet Carol Danvers or Captain Marvel."
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Natasha said. "Fury's been going on about you for years."
"Nick?" Carol asked him. "What have you been telling your friends?"
"Nothing." Fury stated with a bit of humour only barely visible on his face. "Queen Natasha was trying to be funny."
"Queen?" Carol asked. "Of what country?"
"It's a secret." Natasha replied with a grin. "Have you met my husband, Harry Potter?"
"Not officially, but I'm told he's the one to meet." Carol smiled and shook both their hands.
She was soon introduced to everyone and Thor challenged her to an arm-wrestling match, when he remembered her fighting Thanos, which she both agreed to and won, much to the amusement of the Asgardians who were watching. They weren't shocked though as they had seen her fight, too. Soon she received many challengers and she happily agreed and defeated all comers.
At some point she and Harry had a bit of a conversation, where he presented her with first a contract and then an Avengers armband. He thought she appreciated the quick form of travel, allowing her both extraction and an easy way to EPI, where Fury had a place prepared for her from the moment he knew she would be around again.
She was soon thereafter pulled into a conversation with Tony, Bruce and Luna about what she had seen in the universe and their plans for travelling the universe. She was very interested in their line-of-sight faster than light capabilities and decided to stick around for a bit, so she could meet Jane Foster the next day, to discuss their space exploration program.
Harry in the meanwhile was feeling quite merry himself. He was drinking the milder form of the Ale and he was enjoying the atmosphere the drink was promoting. There was laughter and enjoyment and a feeling of hope. Very few Asgardians had fallen during the battle and they had striven to protect the mortals, where they could. Harry and Odin would be enchanting an ocean-like sea of water to stretch out beneath the bifrost, like it had been on Asgard, the next day, so that those fallen could be honoured correctly in their proper tradition.
Natasha had finally decided he was in safe hands and allowed him to leave her immediate company. It didn't stop her from making sure he was always within sight. She had big plans for their night, when they went home, so she would be certain to drag him away before he got too tired.
A couple of hours later, Natasha had decided to enact her plan and soon they were saying their goodbyes. Eitri had arranged to finally take his people home via the new Bifrost, when they were ready to leave the celebration and Carol Danvers would be arranging a lift with Heimdall to deliver her close to where she had been working most recently.
Before they could leave, some soldiers turned up with another heap of gold, for the purchase of many more barrels of Thor's Feast. Apparently the entirety of the vaults of Asgard had been recovered by the people that had gone to Mars. Much of their technology had been broken beyond repair, but Harry assured them that if they could bring the mostly intact devices, he would be able to repair them to the point where they could be more easily brought into working order.
Xera was already waiting for them and when they got on the carpet, she joined them. As they lifted off, Natasha pulled Harry in for a passionate kiss and they left to cat-calls and cheers. Frigga had a look of anticipation on her face and when Odin asked her about it, Frigga whispered in his ear, "Our daughter-in-law has decided to bless her household and their kingdom with an heir."
Odin's answering smile was all she needed to see, before Frigga, too, decided that she and Odin could retire from the festivities. They soon took the Royal Carpet down to the Island, so that they could have their privacy.
The next day Harry woke up tired, with his two ladies lying on either side of him. He felt very rich indeed. When he left bed to go prepare breakfast, he was surprised to see Odin, Frigga, Hela, Wanda and Luna, all comfortably seated by the bar, with Eldrin pouring them some tea and coffee. He had only noticed them through his window from his own kitchen and decided to rather go prepare breakfast there, so he could offer them something as well.
"Good morning. What brings you to New Atlantis?" Harry asked of his parents as he left his house to walk over to them.
"We have decided that Thor can contact us via one of the myriad ways he has available if he needs any help." Odin said easily. "For now, your mother and I have decided to take you up on the hospitality of New Atlantis for the foreseeable future."
"And what brought this on?" Harry asked, having a suspicion.
"My wife informed me that your bride plans to start your family, now that there is a relative calm after the storm, which was Thanos." Odin said. "We only wish to share in your joy, when the time comes."
"And once Natasha is with child, I will be here to help care for her, as a good mother should." Frigga said.
"Don't forget us, either." Luna said, indicating herself, Wanda and Hela. "I love babies and Wanda wants to learn what I know of mediwitch magic."
"I look forward to being an Aunt and taking care of my nieces and nephews, when they start on their own adventures." Hela added. "No doubt your children will find trouble, even here on this peaceful island, considering who their parents are."
There was laughter all around when Harry stood there dumbstruck. He was not aware that Natasha had planned for this or told anyone. There goes that surprise. It did explain why she had insisted he remove the contraceptive magic and why their night had been so… busy. When he finally came back to himself, he blushed, realising he must have gotten a far off look, remembering the night and grumbled good-naturedly as he got to work on breakfast.
"I don't know." Natasha's voice said from the doorway, where she was standing. "I think Xera and I will be able to take care of our children on our own."
"Ah, the mother of my future grandchildren has decided to grace us with her presence!" Frigga said happily as she got up to go hug Natasha. "Were you successful in your quest?" she whispered in her ear.
"It will be a couple of weeks before we know for sure, but Harry did relent and removed his protections." Natasha whispered back. More loudly, she said, "You didn't tell all of Asgard did you?"
"Of course not!" Frigga objected as they walked to the bar. "Why would I spoil such a surprise for you?"
"People will start suspecting though, when they see that smile on your face and the glow that surrounds you." Odin interjected with a smile as he got up and hugged Natasha as well.
"You've seen this glow many times before. It's the effect Harry has on his bride for his skills in the bedchamber." Frigga said with another happy smile. "No doubt all that practice will be paying off shortly."
Natasha blushed prettily, but refused to be taunted and simply walked into the bar to hug Harry, where he was trying to hide his furious blush by keeping his head down and his hands busy. "Good morning love." she said as she hugged him.
"What did you mean when you said you and Xera would be able to take care of your kids?" Luna asked.
"When Xera found out that we'll be trying for a baby, she wanted in on the action, so to speak." Natasha said.
"And where is dear Xera?" Frigga asked.
"She's still in a sex coma." Natasha said with a wicked grin, looking for Harry's response. He did not fail to deliver. "She'll probably come around by lunch-time." she added.
And that was how their morning went. Harry was the subject of a lot of good natured ribbing, but he took it in the manner in which it was meant. Those gathered by the bar were all as good as family. Wanda a little less so, but she was a permanent resident of the island and she and Harry had become good friends. She had even borrowed the book from Harry at some point. She had not blushed when she asked, but the next time Harry saw Jarvis, he had blushed and refused to speak of it.
Shortly after breakfast, Loki arrived, looking for Luna, only to be told that she was at EPI, still helping the patients they had from the previous day's battle. Some of the elves had decided to go with her and were working as orderlies. They didn't have any training, but resolved to be trained in any way they could be useful, so that they could be nearby if there was ever a need for them. They learned quickly though and were soon being used to assist in the minutia that needed attending in a ward. May was very grateful for the help as they had many patients at the time.
Shortly before lunch, Odin and Harry left to go work on the water-feature they had planned for New Asgard. That took most of the day and the Enchantments were in place shortly before they left. The water would start filling the basin they had created for it and by the next morning, they should have what would approximately look like what had been there before, except, perhaps, that it would be clear water, like the ocean below, where the water was being taken from, instead of dark, like it had been.
Harry had another idea for their new ocean, but resolved to keep the beach and bar he had planned to put in as a surprise for later.
They had a quiet evening that night. The events of the previous day was still fresh in Harry's mind and he was restless, so he got up to go for a walk on the beach.
"Where are you going?" Natasha asked as she saw him leaving the room.
"I'm just going for a walk on the beach. I need to clear my mind." He replied softly, trying not to wake up Xera.
"Do you want me to keep you company?" she asked, about to get out of bed herself.
"No, that's fine." Harry said. "I just need a bit of time to think."
"Okay." Natasha relented and closed her eyes again. At least he was safe on the island.
Harry set out on the beach, walking calmly and doing as promised, sorting through memories and using his occlumency to store away what was unnecessary. It took him a while. A lot had happened in the last few days, after all. By the time he was done, he walked back to the houses, but something caught his eye. A shimmer of movement just inside the bounds of the treeline.
He walked to the shimmer and found Prongs there waiting for him. "Hey there, Prongs." Harry said. "What brings you out here tonight?"
The deer did not respond, but turned around and walked further into the forest, looking behind him to make sure Harry was following. After a couple of minutes Harry moved through a thicket of bushes and came to a standstill. Before him was another tear in reality. He quickly sat down and focussed his magic on it, like he had done in the mine shaft in Nidavellir.
"Hello." 'Albus' said. "Congratulations on your victory."
"I still don't like you wearing his face." Harry said.
"Well, too bad." the entity said smugly. "We've established why this works for me."
"I know." Harry said as he went to sit at the table and poured himself a cup of tea. The room was exactly how he remembered. "Has a universe somewhere exploded or something?"
"Natural heat-death." the entity corrected. "They happen every few moments, really, considering the infinite nature of existence."
"Stop." Harry said. "You're trying to give me a headache again, aren't you?"
It smiled at him, just a little mischievously. "Maybe just a little." it admitted. "But we can chat about that later. We've got a couple of things to cover and I need to give you some information."
What followed was a rough plan for what would happen next and Harry listened and asked questions as they went, to clarify how things worked and why. It felt like days again, before they were done chatting. After the plans, Harry gave the entity a bit of time to talk about his experiences, since the entity was quite curious about certain aspects of mortal lives.
It loved talking about sex for some reason. The act of creating life seemed to be foreign, strange and wonderful to it. It didn't seem to understand, but accepted what Harry told it, from his own experiences. It also gave him quite a bit of useful information that he could apply to complete the mission it had set for him that would allow him to more easily fulfil his role. He could also see other applications and it didn't seem to mind or care that he had plans to use what he had learned for other things.
"Just remember to follow the rules or you might end up having to do it again." It said as they were saying goodbye. "I know you have experience with this sort of thing, but I still suggest wearing a different face or none at all."
"I understand." Harry said. He paused for a moment, before smiling. "And thank you." he finished.
"I should be thanking you." It said. "You're fulfilling your role exactly as I had hoped. There were a few moments there that I was worried. Your wife seems to be good for you. Well chosen."
"We chose each other." Harry said with a fond smile as he thought of her.
"Not really," It said, "but you'll figure that one out later."
"Stop it." Harry said again. It always liked to tease him with information it refused to give him fully.
"Goodbye my Avatar. And good luck." It greeted him.
Harry was about to greet him as well, but realised he was standing in front of a quickly vanishing rift. Harry felt a draw on his power and concentrated for a moment to allow Natasha to Apparate to him. "What just happened?!" she demanded as she looked around, fully kitted out and in her armour, before spotting the last shimmers of the fading rift. "Oh." she sighed in relief. "You had another chat with your friend?" she asked. She had felt his connection reset again.
"He likes to think of us as partners." Harry said. "I do something for him, he does something for me. There's an exchange of sorts that we both find useful."
"You're not answering my question." Natasha said. "Did he mention another threat?" she asked.
"Yes and not really at the same time." Harry said with a smirk.
"Harry." she said dangerously.
"Okay, okay." Harry said. "I'm going back home to fix my world."
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Omake #2 by burnable
"Well?" Tony asked from inside his new suit. "What's the verdict?"
Stephen got up with a serious look on his face before he nodded. He turned to Harry, "Go with your second plan." he said.
"Are you sure?" Harry asked.
"Do I look like I'm joking?" Stephen asked with a straight face.
"Okay." Harry said dubiously.
After the bombardment, Thanos came down to speak to them first. He saw the Avengers gathered and asked, "Did the witch manage to hold onto the wizard?" He smirked at their perplexed faces. They must not know what happened to him.
Then he felt it. His lower body was on fire! "Ah!" he yelled in surprise as he tried to put the fire out with his hands, but both the Gauntlet and his other hand just caught fire as well. In seconds his entire body was engulfed in flames and when he tried to use the reality stone to smother the fire it just started again.
In a last ditch effort he transported himself onto the ship using the Space stone, but the ship soon caught fire as well, while he jumped in a pool of water to try and douse the flames, but the water started to boil instantly and the fire still clung onto him. Nearby, Harry was floating invisibly and insubstantially as he just kept on re-applying the spell when Thanos tried to escape it by using the Stones.
Five minutes later, Harry reappeared with the Stones safely in his pouch. "I'm suddenly in the mood for a barbeque." he said as the others just watched the giant ship, which was engulfed in flames. Escape pods, ships and leviathans tried to flee, but the greedy fire would simply leap onto them and they, too, would start burning.
Two hours later, the Avengers stepped through a portal and returned to the waiting armies of their allies. "You may all go home." Thor said. He was in a sour mood. "My brother stole all our fun." he complained.
"What about Thanos?" Fury asked from where he was standing with the generals by the entrance to the command bunker.
"Harry burned the entire ship and its armies to ash." Tony said, sounding slightly in awe and with quite a bit of fear in his voice. "Seriously, it was just one spell. One spell…" he trailed off as he reconsidered his life choices. Maybe he should start spending more time with Rhodey again.
#####
Omake #3 inspired by hakon2feb
"Well?" Tony asked from inside his new suit. "What's the verdict?"
Stephen got up with a serious look on his face, before he turned to Harry, "Why did you bring him?" he asked plaintively.
"Who?" Harry asked.
From behind them came the sound of singing, "♪I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts.♪"
Everyone turned to see a man dressed in black and read, sitting on an actual pile of coconuts, wearing a sunhat and drinking from a hollowed out coconut. "Wade?" Harry asked.
"Harry?" Wade asked. "What are you doing here? How did you find my coconut stash!?" he asked indignantly.
"We're here to stop Thanos." Harry said, uncertainly.
"No!" Wade snapped up and drew his swords. "My coconuts!" he shouted as he ran up to Harry, grabbing something from his hand as he ran past, faster than Harry thought possible.
"How did he do that?" Harry asked with mild concern as he looked at his hand.
"Do what?" Natasha asked.
"He stole my power ring." Harry said with real worry in his voice now. A lunatic with that much power, could never be a good thing.
They watched as Deadpool disappeared from view only to re-appear next to Thanos, wearing an exact replica of Harry's outfit. "I warned you Thanos!" came a bad English accent from under the hood, "I will save all the coconuts!"
"Who are-" Thanos started, only to be cut off as Deadpool made a very familiar hand gesture, turning a portal between Thanos' head and shoulders. The head fell through and landed in front of Harry, where they all stood amazed.
What followed was a scene of utter randomness as things from fiction and fantasy popped into existence at Deadpool's gestures. The creatures didn't wait for the army to descend, but attacked the floating vessel. It took many hours, but Deadpool apparently decided they'd had enough, when the ship started gaining altitude to try and flee, only for it to blow up with another gesture from Deadpool.
"That was fun!" Wade said as he removed the power-ring from his finger, making the glowing green seemingly animated suit he had just been wearing disappear and returning him to normal as he flicked the ring to Harry. "That last one was murder on my image." he said. "Keep the ring. I'll stick to my handy-dandy twin katana."