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"Done," Theo replied with a resolute nod of his head. Stepping backward, he spread his hands wide. "If you can ensure Blaise's safety, then who am I to stop you from making sure your daughter is unharmed by that demon woman." |
That was all she needed to hear, her body barreling forward to embrace Theo in a breathtaking hug. His arms wrapped around her small frame as well, and together they stood in the entry hall of Nott Manor, their hearts both aching and hopeful that their next endeavor would prove not to be a failure. Unfortunately, when ... |
Standing on the edge of the lot where Blaise had previously fallen, Hermione found herself almost second guessing her initial agreement to use the Time-Turner. Loki was standing at her side, vigilant and poised for the unknown. His dark hair was blowing gently in the breeze as he surveyed the scene. The blood and gore ... |
Wrapping her arms around her middle, she looked up at Loki. He regarded her coolly, his presence here only because he wished to be of aid in case their trip went wrong. He was still vehemently against this entire situation, believing that only more harm than good could come from altering the past. As a tremor of trepid... |
"It won't be much longer," she whispered, though she knew not why. Loki knew Theo was on his way, and they were certainly not trying to hide from anyone. Not in this present time, at least. Once they traveled backward in time, then they would have to stay hidden in the dark. It was why they were wearing all black, full... |
Humming in reply, Loki crossed his arms and peered around at the vacant lot. "I do believe this would be the time normal people would have the "last chance to change your mind" discussion, but I am fairly certain you are well past that point." |
"Loki," she said on a sigh. "We've talked about this..." |
"Endlessly, but that does not change the fact that I wholeheartedly believe this to be a horrid idea." Scowling down at her frowning face, Loki decided he didn't care to protect Hermione's feelings in this moment. Perhaps a touch of the truth would make her see reason. "If we are unable to stop Blaise from rushing forw... |
"This will work," she mumbled, hands tugging at her black, hooded sweatshirt. Despite managing to sound sure of herself, Hermione couldn't help the nervous flip of her stomach. More than anything, she didn't want Loki to have to watch her die. "I'm sure of it. No one will this time." |
Anger flared inside Loki's chest and without thinking, he reached out and grabbed hold of Hermione's upper arm. Wrenching her around to face him properly, he glared down into her frightened face. "I have tried to be gentle with my words, Hermione, but enough is enough. You know not of what we are truly up against in al... |
Struggling to free herself from Loki's grasp, Hermione attempted to remain calm herself. "You know nothing of my suffering, Loki, and I don't think you ever will. You can't use that against me, understand? I nearly died because I couldn't handle another day without you by my side, and then I find out that I'm pregnant?... |
"Where are you going with all of this?" Loki choked out, his chest aching from the onslaught of pain he was experiencing from Hermione's side of the bond. "What has any of this have to do with you dying now?" |
"Everything!" She screamed, her voice echoing off the surrounding buildings. It caused Loki to flinch, his normally calm facade shattering into a million pieces as she used her magic to repel him away from her. "Don't you see, Loki!? Don't you understand?! What difference would it have made if I died the night Hela cam... |
Loki saw red, then. So much, in fact, that his Asgardian mask melted away to reveal his true Jotunn skin and gleaming red eyes. Having put enough distance between them with her burst of magic, Loki now stalked toward Hermione slowly. With clenched fists and rage spiralling out of control in his chest, he did not stop u... |
"And either way, I would have been brought to my knees, you insufferable woman," he hissed through clenched teeth. The darker blue of his lips was pulled back, revealing his white fanged grin as he slowly became more unhinged. "Have you always been this way? Have you always thought only of yourself and naught for those... |
"What?" Hermione gasped, taken aback at his question. "What are you talking about? I've always done everything for those around me!" Her heart was beating rapidly in her chest, an uneasy feeling settling in her stomach as Loki continued to glare at her accusingly. Although, she had no idea why she felt guilt all of a s... |
Loki's sharp bark of laughter was nearly as loud as her earlier scream. His instincts were telling him to grab hold of her so she would be forced to look him in the eye, but he refrained. He recalled all too well her asking for him not to touch her. He had no intention of doing so now, perfectly capable of getting his ... |
"Think about it, Hermione. You did all that research, nearly killing yourself in the process to what? Set Draco free?" Loki ignored her quiet gasp of surprise at where he was going with this. "No. You did it in the hope that he would come back to you. This is no different. You crave Theo's affection, not as a lover, bu... |
Here, Hermione tried to look away, but Loki was not having it. He growled, the sound low and feral as his inner Frost Giant came out to play. Frightened, almost, she was forced to look back at him. In this form he was true monster, easily forgetting his upbringing as an Asgardian prince. Perhaps that was one reasons wh... |
"Wishing to die is no different. Your blatant disregard for life is unflattering. Your loss would set you free from your heartache, yes, but it would cripple all those who hold you dear to their hearts. What of Ron and Pansy? Harry and Ginny? Your parents? Do they matter so little to you that you would throw your life ... |
He paused here more for effect than expecting an actual answer. Her brown eyes were nearly glowing, her inner magic fueled by her emotions. Loki knew he had to stop soon or she would lose control, but he had to finish his explanation or they would most certainly be doomed. She needed to have a full understanding of her... |
"You are selfish," Loki said more softly now, Jotunn eyes softening. "Without realizing it, and that makes you no different than me. At least I can own up to my misgivings. You, however, pretend as if you're doing these deeds for the greater good. It is time to stop with the pretenses, Hermione. We are who we are and t... |
"How dare you..." Hermione whispered, but she could find no fault in his words. The truth hurt, and it struck deep. So deep, in fact, that Hermione stumbled and then dropped to her knees on the hard pavement. Staring at her hands, she found that although she wanted to cry, no tears would come. Loki had forced her to fa... |
After a moment which Hermione spent staring at her hands in disbelief, Loki knelt down before her. When she at last had courage enough to face him, she found that his Jotunn form had again been covered up and she was now staring into emerald eyes rather than that angry red. Swallowing thickly, she clenched her hands in... |
"Is it always going to be like this?" She asked quietly, her voice quivering. The between us went unsaid, for she knew Loki would understand her meaning all the same. |
Taking pity on her, Loki took both her hands into his, gently, and then aided her to her feet. He knew not exactly what to say to her so he let the silence settle around them instead. Words were not important right now, actions were needed more than placating syllables that would inevitably solve nothing in the end. Pu... |
No, Loki replied at last, but through their bond. I do not believe that we will always be so at odds with one another. |
What is wrong with us? |
Hermione's question caused a slight trickle of uneasiness to shoot through his heart. As her hold tightened around his waist, Loki found himself at a loss. What was wrong with them? He knew something had been changing in him all this time since their bond had been triggered, but since his arrival on Midgard, things had... |
I know not what ails us, but I promise you we will find a way past all of this. Remember, the Rime Diamonds are still binding us together and our time apart did nothing but cause fissures to appear where before there were none. |
I hate feeling so out of control. |
As do I, my love. |
He didn't voice the fact that he always managed to be one step ahead and the fact that he was more than a step behind this nonsense was causing him to panic like never before. Such thoughts would only cause her more despair and frustration. Until he figured out what was happening to their chemistry, he would have to tr... |
With a pop Theo appeared to their left, his dark cloak billowing in the breeze that had stirred without their realization. Reluctantly, Hermione extracted herself from Loki's embrace and nodded at her friend. He nodded once in return before looking to Loki, a grave look on his face. |
"Thank you for being here, Loki," Theo said softly, extending his hand in greeting. "I understand you are not as willing as Hermione and I are to use this Time-Turner. I appreciate your help." |
Taking the offered hand, Loki shook it once before dropping it and stepping back to stand beside Hermione once more. "You are right in that regard, but you are welcome. I am hoping for a quick trip to the past without complication." |
"I am hoping that all goes well, also," Theo replied, although his voice didn't sound so sure. Reaching into his cloak, he extracted the Time-Turner and held it out to Hermione. "I suppose it's best if we don't delay." |
With trembling hand, Hermione took the trinket. It felt cold and strange in her palm, but she held fast. However, when she spoke, her voice was steady. "Are you certain this will take us back far enough and to the right time?" |
Theo nodded once and then swallowed. "I may have attempted it on my own before realizing what a fool I was being." He paused at the matching looks of panic that he received from his two companions. Rubbing a hand over his weary face, he continued his explanation. "As soon as I realized what I was doing, I came back. I ... |
"Theo..." Hermione breathed, opening her hand to stare at the Time-Turner she held. "You could have changed everything." |
"Is that not what you intend to do?" Loki's disdain was thick upon the air, so much so that he didn't even bother rolling his eyes at Theo's words. |
"Loki," Hermione scolded softly, although she knew it would have no effect. |
"I refuse to ignore the risks involved in this; although, I will not speak them aloud again for sake of time." Crossing his arms, Loki sneered down at Theo. "I've had words with Hermione regarding this ordeal, and I am sure you can surmise as to what we have discussed." |
Theo's words were a blunt knife to Hermione's heart and she swallowed hard, her heart beginning to beat rapidly. "I'm not worried," she lied, not quite meeting either of their eyes. "I'm ready if you are. Can we just get this over with and stop arguing?" |
"If you are certain this is what you want." Loki looked to the sky, his eyes closing as a wave of hurt took hold of his chest. He hid it from Hermione even though he knew she would sense what he was doing. Feeling her gaze upon him, he opened his eyes and looked back at her and Theo. |
"You know that it is," she answered for both her and Theo. Opening her hand, she looked again at the Time-Turner. "How does it work?" |
"I turned the hourglass counterclockwise as many days as Blaise has been gone from my side," Theo whispered, his hands clenching together distractedly. |
"Okay, are we ready?" Hermione looked first to Theo and the to Loki, who nodded. "Alright." Taking her wand in hand, she magically enlarged the fragile chain before placing it first over her neck and then gesturing for the other two to join her. Theo lifted it over himself and then so did Loki so that they were all sta... |
Wasting no more time, Hermione began counting the turns of the hourglass. At the same time, Loki's hand grasped as her waist, his fingertips digging into her lower back the only indication of his unease. She ignored her own fear, so palpable in her clenched stomach that she knew she must be shaking. On her right side, ... |
Time swirled backwards, throwing them through a whirlwind of days and nights since that fateful time. Closing her eyes, Hermione waited for it to stop, her body reeling from the onslaught of both her and Loki's feeling combined with the time travel. All at once, she heard the breath leave Loki in a rush and her eyes fl... |
They'd gone back in time all right, to the moment before the shadow creatures had been forced to reveal themselves. Currently, the three of them stood on the outskirt of the lot, right behind one of the larger of the monsters. Frantically, Hermione removed the chain from their necks and then they backed away as quickly... |
When at last the monster surged forward to engage in battle with their past selves when Harry sent a Reducto at it, Hermione breathed a sigh of relief. "We have but a few minutes before Hela reveals herself. Will this shield keep us from Hela's view as well?" She turned and stared up into Loki's strained face, waiting ... |
"It should, but then again, I am unsure how powerful she might have grown since the last time we were together," Loki explained, his eyes not looking at her but instead to the battle unfolding before them in the darkness. |
Spells and curses were exploding and lighting the car park enough for her to see the outlines of their bodies in the middle. After the final beast fell, Hermione stepped forward to peer at the scene unfolding. She clutched her wand tightly, ready to do everything in her power to stop Blaise from running forth and sacri... |
Do not move until you have absolutely no choice, he warned her through the bond. He held her close to his body, but still he did not speak aloud. I imagine it would be unwise for your two selves to see one another. |
She nodded once and gave Theo a look that somehow he understood. Together, the three of them stood frozen in the darkness, forced to listen to Hela threaten them all over again. It made Hermione's skin crawl and her wand itch to attack at the same time. She wanted nothing more than to run out there full force and attem... |
When Hela's sword came into view, Theo balked, beginning to move forward into the fray. Hermione was quicker, though, running from Loki with such force, he ripped the sleeve of her jacket as she tore free. Silently, she sent forth an Impedimenta, effectively causing Blaise to fall to his knees before ever reaching the ... |
It was as if time slowed to a stop, which was nonsense she knew. Holding her breath, Hermione observed herself flinching away as Hela lifted her sword high above her head, eyes glittering with an unnatural light. This was it, Hermione thought. This was how she was going to die. Silently, she removed the Time-Turner fro... |
A sudden boom of thunder shook them where they stood, nearly sending Hermione off her feet. Thor, as a last resort, had sent Mjolnir flying through the air towards Hela. The Goddess of Death was forced to drop her sword, but that same hand came up to protect her face. In a twist for the ages, she easily captured Thor's... |
Without another word, Hela began to squeeze, her fingers cracking through Mjolnir with an ease that left everyone stunned. As the hammer was destroyed, an explosion tore outward from it, sending everyone in the vicinity flying. Hermione's body hit the ground hard, but Loki threw himself atop her prone form so as to pro... |
In the darkness where they were still currently hidden, Theo was the first to push to his feet. He was already staring across the car park, searching to make sure that Blaise has survived the explosion. Both Loki and Hermione heard his exhale of relief as he obvious found his husband alive. Turning to watch as Loki hel... |
"Loki," Hermione whispered as she was pulled to her feet, but she was unable to say anything further as one long fingered hand curled around her mouth. She wanted to protest, to pull him away, but she refrained. She knew he would easily remove his hand if she tried to pull it away, but she wasn't really in the mood for... |
Hela was making her last scathing remarks, threatening to kill Hermione unless Loki came forth and surrendered himself unto her. Again, Loki threw a dagger at her disappearing form before turning away. This time, however, he did not cater to Hermione but to Thor instead. With none dead, the group stood awkwardly as the... |
Biting her lip hard enough to break through the tender flesh, Hermione peered up at Loki with apologetic eyes. With a frustrated sigh, he let his hand fall away before stepping around her form to closer inspect their past selves. Not quite knowing what to say or do, Hermione turned her attention to Theo. He was staring... |
"Loki," she tried again, and this time he did turn to grant her his attention. He looked livid, though, his eyes glinting red as he tried to hold back his Jotunn form. Trying not to flinch, she carried on. "What-what happened?" |
He was on her then, closing the space between them in a single stride and grabbing hold of her shoulders. "Hela destroyed my brother's hammer like a piece of glass," Loki hissed, gesturing toward where their past selves were still reeling from what had transpired. Thor was currently holding the fragments of the hammer ... |
"He's right, Hermione," Theo broke in, clearing his throat. "Thor traveled to wherever after the last time, but now... He can't do that right?" He waited for Loki's affirmation which came in the form of an irritated nod of his head. "Right, so this time who is going to go running off to save the universe? We need to go... |
"Okay," Hermione breathed, eyes dropping to locate the Time-Turner she'd allowed to fall to the ground. Catching her gaze, Theo bent and retrieved it for her before offering it over. Shrugging out of Loki's grip at last, Hermione took the Time-Turner and placed it around her neck. Frowning at the fragile little trinket... |
"And in doing so, condemned us all." Loki's words hurt and she flinched, hands falling away from the Time-Turner chain. He had no time for her regret, sighing in frustration as he instead grabbed for the chain and ducked underneath it. With a single dark look sent at Theo, the wizard joined them. "How do we return?" |
"Here," Theo mumbled, taking the Time-Turner into hand and touching the hourglass. Brow furrowed in concentration, he twisted the center of the hour glass once and then again before glancing up at the other two. "Give it a second-" |
Before he could finish the sentence, the fabric of time began to swirl and churn around them. This time, Hermione closed her eyes against the onslaught, not wanting to deal with any of it. Beside her, Theo tucked his arm into her, but on the other side... Loki was as cold as the ice planet he was born from. Although he... |
When the whirlwind faded, Hermione opened her eyes. With a sigh of relief, she was glad to see they'd returned safely. Loki wasted no time ripping the chain from their necks and tucking the Time-Turner into the pocket of his trousers. When Theo made to object, he literally growled in frustration. Hermione said nothing,... |
"Go," Loki ordered Theo, waving distractedly. "Go and find out whether or not Blaise has truly survived all this time. Contact Hermione once you have determined his whereabouts." |
"Okay..." Theo scratched at the back of his head. "What are you going to do in the meantime?" He threw a worried glance at Hermione as if he suspected Loki would harm her in some manner. Hermione shook her head once, effectively warning him that she would, in fact, be fine if left her alone with Loki. |
Loki stopped pacing, one hand raking through his dark hair in anger. He grimaced as a few strands pulled free, but he did not falter. "I will need to seek counsel with my brother, if he even still remains in this realm. We have much to discuss, to plan, and you," he snapped, turning his wild, green eyes on Hermione, "y... |
Finding she could do nothing but nod, Hermione wrapped her arms around her middle and stood there helplessly like a properly scolded child. Loki was angry with her, and disappointed too. Again she shook her head at Theo when he gave her a look of worry, but she ignored it. Sighing, she stepped forward and waited for Lo... |
"Be safe, you two," Theo told them before turning and disappearing, heading home to his manor where he hoped to find his husband alive and well. |
"Not now," came his harsh reply. |
Her mouth snapped shut so hard her teeth clacked together, dread settling low in her stomach. "Where do you think we should go?" Her question was quiet, so quiet she wasn't even sure he would hear her. He did, his keen ears picking up on her troubled words. |
"Your flat. If we do not find Eira there, then we will contact others until she is found." He straightened his back, preparing for the magical journey. "Now, enough talking. There will be time for words later when I know that my daughter is safe and I have talked with Thor." |
Finding nothing else to say, Hermione swallowed and apparated them away. Her last thought before they disappeared was that she couldn't quite shake the feeling that something had broken between her and Loki. Something she wasn't sure could be easily repaired with simple apologies and gentle embraces. The counter effect... |
Sighing in relief, Loki paused in the bedroom doorway as he took in Thor's form atop Jane's bed. He was a sight to behold, dark circles under his eyes and hair hanging limp and lifeless about his slumped shoulders. Cerulean eyes lifted to seek out emerald and then the God of Thunder nodded, giving Loki permission to en... |
"I have been searching for you this evening," he said as he came to a stop at the edge of the bed. Having no recollection of the time that passed between the battle and their return to the present, he needed to tread carefully so as not to arouse suspicion. |
Shrugging one shoulder and crossing his legs at the ankle, Thor spoke to his lap. "I am in no mood to be amongst others this night. Jane has allowed me to seek refuge in her room while she and the others have gone to the Burrow," he explained, now picking idly at the hem of the grey t-shirt he wore. |
"May I?" Loki inquired indicating the edge of the bed. Thor nodded, giving him permission to sit and so he did, turning his body to face the obviously depressed Thunder God. Loki was immediately reminded of their childhood, times when he would visit his stubborn brother after he'd been scolded by their father. Thor's f... |
Opening his eyes again, he found Thor watching him curiously, though he knew that there was no way Thor could know of what had transpired. To him, the destruction of his hammer had been the only effect of Hela's visit to Midgard. No one but he, Hermione, and Theo knew the truth, and they hoped to keep it that way so th... |
"I knew it would be only a matter of time before you sought me out, Loki." |
Thor's voice was quiet, resigned almost, and it struck odd that they were here like this now. Thor was supposed to be the strong one, the older brother who protected everyone from harm. Instead, it was Loki who was doing everything in his power to hold the pieces together lest they all fall apart. Deciding to ignore al... |
"Brother," he said softly, earning himself a confused glance. "I do apologize for not coming sooner." By Thor's words, it was safe to assume that this was their first meeting since Mjolnir's demise. "I have been otherwise engaged..." |
"I understand, brother." Thor returned his sentiment, nodding as a small smile appeared, briefly, on his tan face. "I understand that it must be difficult dealing with Hermione's depression over the ordeal, as well as caring for Gwyneira." |
"Hermione has been..." Trailing off, Loki frowned. He knew not how Hermione has supposed to have been during this time. Blinking rapidly as an idea came to his mind, Loki met his brother's stare and prepared to ask permission for something he had not done since they were children. "Thor, may I have permission to peruse... |
Sitting up further on the bed, Thor leaned forward so that he was closer to Loki. "Of course. I fear that we all remember the battle differently. Harry has stated that he had an odd dream just the other night where Blaise perished by Hela's hand, though we all know he lives." |
Loki's eyes widened at that revelation, not quite knowing how to perceive the fact that Potter had a vision of their former past. He would have to discuss the matter with Hermione once he returned to her flat. He had no experience with time travel nor the effects that could transpire from changing it such as they had. ... |
It hit him in a rush, the memories of the past few days racing through his own mind with such force that he struggled to sift through them. Exhaling, he scrunched up his eyes as he forced the onslaught to slow. After that, it was much easier to see clearly how the events unfolded after Hela disappeared. After the battl... |
In the days after, it appeared that much discussion had been wrought between Jane and Thor about what to do next; although, he'd refused to have any visitors. Loki saw snippets of texts Jane shared that were from Potter and Hermione. Banner had been by once but been unable to find a way to piece Mjolnir together again.... |
"You have found that which you sought." It was not a question, Thor obviously realizing that Loki needed something but would not share as he was often prone to do. Shifting on the bed, Thor clenched his fist and gently punched his knee in frustration. "How am I to ever hope to defeat Hela without Mjolnir?" |
"I am unsure we can defeat her at all, brother," Loki admitted, his words a mere whisper between them. Looking at his hands, he brought forth his magic, allowing it to jump across his palms. "You recall how she was when we were younger? Her magic must have far surpassed mine since then despite all the training and stud... |
"She was older than us, yes?" Thor inquired, deep lines appearing on his forehead as he frowned. It was times like this that Loki was made aware of their many centuries of life. Amongst the mortals, it was easy to forget just how long they had been living. However, sitting here now, alone with just Thor, Loki suddenly ... |
"She was," he clarified, brushing the hair out of his face with one hand. "As I recall, she was born long before you, though I know not her parentage." |
"Odin never shared that with us." |
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