I tried to write 50 000 words this November. I failed, yet this story was born. As of this moment when I post, another four chapter of about the same length as the first one (the prologue is not included in the count) are more or less ready to be posted. I will post once a week, on Wednsdays, until I run out. Hopefully I'll be able to write more so that the unbroken chain of weekly updates lasts longer than to chapter five.

I would like to thank my betas; KatarinaZ, AnniKay, Hapgirrl00 and Paperclippe for their editing, their suggestion and their support. Thank you, you've been great and I just know that you'll continue to be so!

Warnings: Spoilers for all Harry Potter books and films as well as for all films and TV-shows that make up the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Swearing and violence occurs. There are AU elements, how else could I write a crossover?

(If there is something else you'd like to make sure you're warned against, drop me a line and ask if the story contains whatever you can't stand and I will let you know, or you could read and find out.)

Summary: Hermione read in a book that each witch and wizard has a counterpart in a parallel dimension. In the same book she has also learned that it is possible to reach over and receive the memories of a counterpart. The trio tries to do this. Of course, nothing can ever go the way it should and their failed efforts will shake two worlds.

OF THE SAME SCRAP AND BARLEY

Prologue – Like a Bolt from the Blue
Words: 975

"Thor!" Jane cried out as the man unexpectedly crumpled to the base of the flying ship. He slumped down like a puppet that had gotten its strings cut, limp and lifeless. She crawled out from under the blanket where she'd been resting and kneeled by his side, trying to not think about her own dizziness. Blinking, Jane fought off the weakness that was settling in her body as it was overwhelmed by the Aether and concentrated on Thor. She touched his face, patting it gently; his muscles were slack.

"What did you do?" she asked Loki sharply, turning to glare at him.

The Trickster stood at the back of the ship, ready to steer with the rudder. She hadn't seen him do anything, but she suspected him. Of course she did. She only knew a little about all he'd done to earn his stay in prison, but it was more than enough for a negative opinion to have formed. Slapping him in the face in vengeance for New York had been satisfactory, even as it had left an ache in her hand. It was the same as when she'd slapped Thor upon meeting him for the first time in about two years. She hadn't let her mortality and their stone-like bodies stop her from showing her displeasure then. She wasn't about to let it stop her now either.

"I did nothing," he replied and wriggled his fingers to show off the handcuffs, as if they would acquit him. She wasn't fooled. If he wanted to cause trouble he could do so; hands bound or not. Yet as she studied him Jane thought she might be able to see some sliver of concern for Thor in his expression. It was carefully hidden, yet it shone through his eyes and spoke through the set of his mouth. It made her willing to consider that perhaps he wasn't responsible for his brother's collapse. If Loki wasn't responsible, the question was what had made it happen.

She turned back to the fallen warrior, watching his face from only inches away and calling his name anew without getting any reaction. She could see his chest moving as he drew in breath, could feel the warm air against her own face. At least that was a comfort. Thor wasn't dead. Jane grabbed his shoulders and tried to shake him awake. Shifting him was like trying to move a mountain. He was too heavy for her. She knew that he was heavier than a normal man, but when he was awake (when he was touching her) his strength was always contained, carefully controlled. He knew how to move, how to keep the most of his weight off her. Knowing that he wasn't human and seeing it (being reminded of it) were different things indeed. But that didn't make her worry any less; it didn't affect her feelings for him.

"Thor!" she called yet again. "Wake up! Please! You must wake up!"

As she kept trying to make him wake Loki steered the ship onto the ground, going down in a careful landing. She barely felt an impact as the ship touched down, however she did notice when Loki joined her by Thor's side.

"Don't hurt him!" She didn't trust him. Couldn't. Wouldn't. Would suspect treachery.

His entire being exuded impatience at her plea. Yet she got a reply: "I will not," and pulled at Thor's eyelids. There were only whites to be seen as the eye was exposed, they had rolled up into his head with whatever ailment he suffered.

"What's wrong with him?" Jane pressed, unable to contain herself.

"If you would be quiet I might be able to find out," he snapped at her acidly, and now Jane wisely held her tongue.

Next Loki grabbed Thor's shoulders and succeeded in moving him when the mortal woman had not. Yet he didn't shake his brother; he moved him towards the legendary war hammer that lay discarded on the ship's floor not far away. Once the large blond was next to it, Loki placed his hand on Mjolnir's handle. Lightning sparkled noisily around the head of the hammer, and then it ran up through the limp hand that had been placed on it and charged through the attached body which twitched violently and was thrown to the other edge of the vessel, knocking Loki down in the process. The energy died out.

Jane watched it horrified, and let out a small, startled shriek.

Loki might have succeeded in what he set out to do, however. Thor groaned quietly and stirred.

- Of the Same Scrap and Barley –

Hermione stood over Harry's body, outside the circle, breathing heavily. It had taken a lot of energy, but the spell was done.

"Was it like this when it was me?" Ron asked from her side, reaching out to steady her.

"Yes," she replied, leaning into this support.

"Then why do you seem so worried?"

"I don't know. Because it's Harry, I guess. If it were to go wrong, it would be with him, wouldn't it?"

Ron's silence said it all. They stood there watching for a while longer. "Come on, let's sit down. It will take a while. Let me tell you a bit more about the time when-" Ron fell silent. Harry's body was spasming, sparks and strands of electricity dancing along his body.

"Harry!" Hermione cried and made to walk across the circle, but Ron held her back, his support turning to a restriction.

"You mustn't," he said even as he was warring with himself, wanting to run to his friend's side too. Hermione whimpered as the energy continued wrecking Harry's body. A bolt of electricity shot out from Harry's curse scar and then it dissipated. They didn't have to wait long until something more happened. Harry made a small noise and moved.

End Prologue – Like a Bolt from the Blue

[Last Edited 10th December 2015]