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"No, he did not but then again, we did not inquire about where she came from." Loki scoffed at their idiocy. Smirking at his adopted brother, he couldn't help but feel frustrated with Odin. "We should have asked more questions of the Allfather before he left us to our own devices." |
"You were the one to travel with her across the nine realms, wreaking havoc and leaving a trail of bodies in your wake," Thor pointed out, although he did not sound as disapproving as he once would have. Loki was glad he left unsaid the part where Loki had been tricked into falling for Hela's plans. |
"I did, and it is not a time in my long life that I am proud of." He bristled slightly, finally moving to stand. He'd spent more than enough time in Thor's presence gathering information he would need to take back to Hermione. "I think that you and I should consider returning to Asgard," he did say before heading towar... |
"When do you feel we should leave?" Thor asked, causing Loki to pause in the doorway. He gripped the frame tightly, running various scenarios through his head in rapid motion. Glancing back at Thor he sighed heavily. "As soon as I have discussed such matters with Hermione and made a few arrangements. I will contact you... |
Thor nodded in reply, so Loki made to leave the room but stopped when he again spoke. "Brother?" |
"Thor?" Loki did not turn around, shoulders tense and skin crawling with anticipation of what may be shared. |
"I do not blame her." When Loki made no indication of a reply, Thor continued, his voice gruff with unbridled emotion. "I do not blame Hermione for what happened. Please, tell her I said that. She refuses to take my calls." |
Clenching his jaw, Loki felt his chest constrict with a combination of both anger and remorse. He should have tried harder to sway Hermione from her decision to use the Time-Turner. Now he had to deal with not only her irrational emotions, but his brother's as well. Forcing himself to relax, Loki cleared his throat. "V... |
He left then, not giving Thor any more opportunities to speak. He had enough to be dealing with right now and he didn't need to add his own personal sentiments to the matter. The loss of Mjolnir was hitting Thor hard, and he could not blame him. All their lives, they had wanted nothing more than to be worthy of her pow... |
Or perhaps not, Loki thought wryly as he exited the house and stopped just in the middle of the yard. He turned his face up to the heavens with closed eyes and inhaled deeply. The cold air helped to clear his mind, reminding him of the empire that awaited him back on Jotunheim. If only he could return there with Hermio... |
There was much work to be done. Planning for travel to Asgard, with or without Hermione at his side. Opening his eyes, he stared at the stars scattered there, so different from the ones he grew up with. This world was not his, nor would it ever be. Heart aching at the thought, he prayed to the gods that Hermione would ... |
Growling at himself for allowing such dark thoughts to the forefront of his mind, Loki opened the astral plane. He was wasting precious time dawdling and fretting over matters he obviously had no control over. Hermione would continue doing as she pleased, not taking his opinion into consideration. That needed to change... |
Having put Gwyneira to bed, Hermione sat alone in the living room with a cup of cooling tea in her hand. To put it eloquently, their trip through time had been an all encompassing fuck up of epic proportions. While it was true that Blaise now lived despite having been dead and buried to her a mere eighteen hours previo... |
Swallowing back the urge to cry, Hermione sipped at her tea, always a comfort to her in times of crisis. She awaited Loki's return, unsure where they currently stood. After returning them to the flat, Hermione was thankful to find Pansy and Darcy here watching over her daughter. They'd left after a few short words from... |
Hermione looked to the window, uncertainty creeping up her spine and settling in her heart. Without Mjolnir, how was Thor to stop Hela and her wrath? All appeared hopeless at this point, and whether she liked to admit it or not, it was her fault. At least before saving Blaise from death, Thor had a weapon to wield agai... |
"Good," a voice came, startling her so much that her teacup crashed to the floor. "It appears you're exactly as your meant to be in this alternate reality." |
Heart pounding, Hermione turned to face Loki, ignoring the mess of tea on the hardwood floor. He was standing behind Ron's old chair, staring down at her with a look she'd not seen before on his face. Disappointment, perhaps? Or resentment. Either way, Hermione hated the way it made her feel. Wetting her lips, she bent... |
"I take it that everything is in order with your brother," she said softly, using her wandless magic to clean up her mess. Standing, she made her way past Loki and through to the kitchen. She set the cup in the sink and then just continued to stand there, body numb and unsure of what to do next. |
"You know not the implications of what we have just done," Loki told her, voice low and lethal. |
"I know that you are mad with me," she snapped, throwing him a look over her shoulder before moving to turn off the lights. As she made to move past him again, Loki's hand darted out and snatched her wrist. She stopped, glaring up at him through her eyelashes. |
"I am in no mood for your attitude, Hermione," he said in the same tone of voice. Tugging her closer, he held her there with his other hand pressed firmly against the small of her back. Despite his anger, Loki couldn't help but feel better when she was near. "I am unhappy with this situation which you helped put into m... |
"We can't go back and change it again..." |
"I am more than aware of how that would not work." Clearing his throat, Loki released the grip he had on Hermione's wrist, instead choosing to intertwine their fingers. He led her further into the flat until they were standing inside her bedroom. "I must return to Asgard with my brother." |
Hermione swallowed, her hand squeezing Loki's where they were still intertwined. She'd known this time was coming but had hoped for him to remain here on Midgard for just a while longer. Frowning to herself, Hermione found it odd that she'd now called Earth Midgard twice now. When had she started doing that? Letting go... |
Strong arms came up to wrap around her, securing her in a tight embrace. With his chin resting on Hermione's head he answered truthfully. "As soon as we are able. Tomorrow perhaps, or the next. That depends on you." |
"Me?" She pulled back slightly so she could peer up into his face, confusion clouding her eyes. |
"Yes," Loki replied, fingers digging into her slightly in his nervousness. There was no putting off this conversation any longer. Lingering here on Midgard was not an option; Loki needed to return to his people on Jotunheim and help his brother defend Asgard against Hela's wrath. This would all be made easier if he kne... |
"You know I won't stop you from doing what is right," Hermione said softly, one hand lifting to tuck Loki's hair behind his ear. "As long as you promise to come back to me and Eira." |
"I would ask you and Gwyneira to come with me." The question slipped from his lips before it meant to, Loki having wanted to broach the topic carefully. As Hermione quickly extracted herself from his arms, he already felt the sense of foreboding growing in his chest. |
"Loki..." She trailed off, shaking her head as she backed away from his loving embrace. "You know I can't do that right now. I have a life here. A job. Obligations." |
"You would be safer on Jotunheim," he further implored, wanting her to see the light. "I have an entire army at my beck and call, guards who would die to protect you and the heir to the throne." |
"I can protect myself-" |
"I do not doubt that in the slightest, Hermione, but we both know that there are things happening to you right now that are hindering your instincts." He hated to say it in such a manner, but it was the truth. Hermione was unstable, more so than ever before. They needed more time than they had in order to get to the ro... |
"What are you saying?" Panic was rising in Hermione as she continued to back away, flashes of her previous outbursts and emotional breakdowns passing through her mind. She'd always been a little off kilter, but since the birth of Gwyneira, things had taken a drastically downward turn. If she was honest, truly honest wi... |
"I think some time away from this place to learn about your new abilities will do you well," he admitted, crossing his arms and never looking away. Hermione's cat wandered through the room then, weaving in and out of his legs before disappearing down the hall. It was like she was warning him to be gentle with her morta... |
"Can I sleep on it," she whispered at last, not quite meeting his eyes. |
Loki hoped that she was not putting it off simply to tell him no upon the morrow, but he would allow her the night to ponder such a drastic change in her life. Setting his jaw, Loki nodded. "You may, but we will discuss this tomorrow. It cannot sit for long." |
"I understand," she mumbled before biting at her lip. Shyly, now, she met his emerald-eyed stare. "Can we go to bed?" Her cheeks flushed, the unasked question evident in the sudden flare of arousal he felt through their bond. |
Shaking his head as he laughed, Loki sauntered toward his beloved and took hold of her waist. Tugging her closer, he allowed her to feel his already hardening cock through his simple trousers. "Of course, my pet. I would end this night no other way than buried deep within your folds." His words made her shiver in antic... |
"Yes?" He asked glancing back over his shoulder from the doorway. |
By the next evening, Loki and Hermione still hadn't broached the topic of her traveling with him to the other realms. Instead, they'd carried on as if nothing was wrong, which was irksome in Loki's opinion. Currently, he was sitting at the kitchen table, reading the wizarding paper Hermione subscribed to. There was nau... |
Finished with the paper, Loki gentle folded the periodical and set it aside with every intent of broaching the subject now that Hermione was settled in the living room. She'd just returned after having put Gwyneira down for the evening when the floo ignited. Loki stood slowly, making no immediate move forward as Harry ... |
"Hey, Hermione," he said, a bit sheepish. "I hope it's okay that I came by so late." |
Standing as well, Hermione smoothed out her clothes. "No, you're fine. I was just going to read for a while. A bit of research for work." She indicated the large stack of tomes on the coffee table, a knowing smile on her face as Harry laughed. |
"A bit of light reading as usual." He shifted his weight from foot to foot, glancing first to where Loki was still standing and then back to Hermione. |
"Uh oh." Hermione said, anxiety beginning to prickle along her skin. "I know that look, Harry. What is it?" |
"I know that things are a bit tangled at the moment, but Kingsley wanted me to come and talk to you," Harry told her, scratching at the back of his head. "You know, about the Minister position." |
"I hardly think now is an appropriate time for me to take office, Harry," Hermione replied scornfully, turning away from him to stalk toward the window. She could feel Loki's gaze on her from the kitchen, his curiosity bubbling through their bond and making her stomach flip. She hadn't told him about the Minister posit... |
"What else are you going to do?" Harry was frustrated with her, his voice raising ever so slightly. They'd been going back and forth over this topic for months. "You don't really plan to travel across the realms and fight off this Goddess of Death? You have a family... What would happen to Gwyneira if-" |
She whirled on him then, anger jumping to the forefront of her mind. Ignoring the fact that Loki took this moment to move in from the kitchen, her hands clenched into fists as she went toe to toe with her oldest friend. Drawing herself up to her full height, she let herself go. "If I died? Is that what you were going t... |
"Has it occurred to you that no one wants to lose you, Hermione?" His voice was gentle, words choked with withheld emotion. Running a hand through his naturally unkempt hair, he sighed. "Me. Ron. Pansy... Hell, Thor and Jane and Darcy. Loki. None of us want you to die. Let Loki go to Asgard with Thor and fight this bat... |
"And what purpose is that? Sit as Minister for Magic, baby at my hip, while my soulmate goes off to be with his ex lover?!" She was screaming, her voice making the very walls tremble with its force. She didn't care though, this was a long time coming and she was furious that they were even having this conversation whil... |
Harry stumbled backward, away from her wrath, but his eyes were wide with shock at being treated this way by Hermione. Swallowing thickly, he made as if to reach out and grab hold of her hand but thought better of it at the last second. As his hand dropped away, he whispered, "What's happened to you?" When she made no ... |
Stepping forward, Loki opened his mouth to interject, but Hermione flung her hand up in a silent warning. Glaring at her, he stopped again where he was and held up his own two hands, allowing her the chance to fight this battle on her own. He also was curious to know the answer to Harry's question for he'd been wonderi... |
"Have you ever thought, Harry," she seethed, stalking forward, "that perhaps I've been like this all along and just been holding back? Maybe I'm tired of being coddled by all of you. Maybe I just want to be left alone to make my own life decisions." |
"You could have told Kingsley you weren't interested when he first asked." |
"I wasn't really given a chance and now I'll be made to look a fool if I turn it away." Turning her back on her friend, Hermione curled her fingers through her hair and tugged, unwilling to admit she was starting to scare herself. She sighed, loudly, and moved to the window where she glared out into the night. "Please ... |
"What do I tell Kingsley?" |
"Whatever the fuck you want at this point. I'm done. I'm done with everything." Swallowing, Hermione closed her eyes and tried to expunge her roaring emotions. She knew that she was close to the edge, the lapping waters of her Star Magic wishing to burst forth and cause destruction. |
"I... For what it's worth," Harry whispered moving back to the fireplace. "I think that you would make an amazing Minister, and that you owe yourself this. You finally have the one thing you always wanted, now let yourself live." Throwing Loki a scornful glance that was more warning than anything, Harry grabbed a handf... |
"Goodnight, Harry," Hermione said without looking his way, shoulders tense as the truth of his words washed over her. |
No more was said and Hermione did not move again until the sound of the flames died away. Even then, it was only to lean her head so that her forehead could rest against the cool plane of glass before her. Loki could be heard then, moving fully into the room so that he could talk with her. She knew what was coming and ... |
"What were you thinking, Hermione, speaking to Harry in such a way?" Loki treaded carefully, unable to ignore the sizzle of Hermione's fury simmering just below the surface of their bond. He remained frozen in place by the hall, his body blocking the immediate path toward their daughter's room. Hermione was too volatil... |
"Because," she hissed, turning her body so she was fully facing him now. "I've had enough of all this. I feel lost all the time, my heart aches from all the pent-up emotions I am dealing with, I'm a new mother, and I feel like I am spiraling out of control! Yet no one seems to understand. Still, they hold me to such hi... |
"They think you worthy enough to hold office in your Magical ministry," Loki pointed out, hoping to deter her from yet another argument. |
"They think I've lost it." And for a second, Hermione felt that way too as she stared across the room at Loki. "No one talks to me! They walk around on dragon shells in my presence!" |
"I think that your friends worry about your mental stability, but in a way not meant to patronize you. You've just had a child, not to mention all of the trials and tribulations we endured not even a full year ago. You are not well, though I know not what ails you." Taking in her appearance, he noted the way she almost... |
She laughed, the noise shrill and hollow all at once. "You're not the only one with a dark past, Loki. I spent years lost to myself and my friends. Maybe this is who I truly am and I should just embrace it. The real me coming out to play." She opened her arms wide, indicating herself with a wry smile playing on her lip... |
"You have lost your way, Hermione," Loki tried to explain, his heart breaking for his beloved as he watched her come further unraveled. Stepping forward to place a cool hand upon her cheek, he tried to soothe away her pain. Her normally bright and beautiful eyes seemed so dark now, tainted by horrors unknown. "You need... |
"Are you saying I am some sort of mons-" |
"Don't," he barked out, eyes flashing red for a second. Taking a calming breath, he began again. "Don't. I am saying that unless you garner control of this darkness within your soul, you will be all but lost to those that care for you, myself included. I can help you, if only you would allow me." He dropped his hand fr... |
"Get out." Her words were deathly quiet following his statement. Her hands were clenched again in anger. "If you believe me to be so far gone that not even you would be able to stand my presence, then get out." |
"Where should you have me go?" Loki inquired, standing his ground despite knowing he was towing a very fine line. She'd completely misconstrued his words, twisting them into something he could make no sense of. His own ire was simmering, although not as forcefully as it may have done in the past. Now he was cognizant o... |
"Away! I don't care. Run off to Asgard with Thor and save the day without me by your side. Again!" Breathing heavily, Hermione glared at her beloved as if seeing him in an entirely new light. All the things that people warned her about warring with her fragile heart. She'd been stupid to think she could be happy after ... |
"You know nothing of my wishes," he hissed, fingertips sparkling with magic of his own. And he was telling the truth, having never shared his deepest wishes with anyone. Not even Hermione. He'd not wished for much in life, knowing he was who he was and that things did not come easily to him. Now, though, he'd simply wa... |
"I know you wish me to be silent and out of the picture while you go and consort with Hela." Now Hermione was the one pushing too hard, her words tumbling from her lips like that of a scorned lover, though she was not. "Go then. I'm sure Hela will welcome you home with open arms and thighs." |
"I don't want Hela!" The words exploded from him without warning, his calm shattering entirely at her disregard for his feelings. Backing away, his head shaking so harshly that his hair whipped about his face, Loki frantically searched for what to say next. "I don't want to lose you," he admitted, knowing it was so unl... |
"I fear I am already lost." Hermione nearly choked on her words, tears burning bright in her eyes as she stared at Loki. |
"You have gone too far this time messing with time and hurting the people who have been there for you through all of the darkest periods of your life." Already he could feel a fissure building in his heart, Hermione's demand harming the bond the Rime Diamonds had fought so valiantly to forge. He knew he teetered on the... |
A strangled sob left Hermione, but her eyes still flashed with rage. "Just go, okay. Leave me alone. I'm better off alone..." She turned away then, unable to stand looking at Loki any longer. |
"If I leave here the now, I can make no promises that I may ever return," Loki explained, honestly. Inside, it felt as if his heart was being torn asunder as Hermione severed their bond. |
"I release you from our bond. Now, get out." |
Buckling under the weight of her words, Loki grabbed hold of the top of the chair for support. It was difficult to swallow, to breathe even, but somehow he remained upright. Her back was still to him, tense and straight with pride, despite the situation. A fleeting glance down the hall toward where Gwyneira slept was a... |
Remembering who he was, Loki straightened himself up, smoothing away any wrinkles in the simple clothes he wore. Actually... Moving his hands over himself once more, he returned his attire to that which he was born to wear. Comfortable now in his green and black leathers, Loki let his heart harden. Setting his emerald ... |
Glaring down into her face, Loki gave her a toothy grin as he allowed his inner monster to come unraveled. "Our bond was forged of Star Magic, Lady Granger. Neither of us may truly release the other, but I will heed your words the now. I will leave this place, leave you and our daughter, but only because you so wished ... |
And then Loki disappeared, slipping through the spectral plane without another word. Hermione stood there, eyes burning with tears yet unshed and her chest aching something fierce. On one hand she felt the true devastation from casting Loki aside, but on the other... She felt almost liberated at the severance. For the ... |
Numbly, Hermione made her way to Gwyneira's room and stood over the edge of the crib. Her daughter slept soundly, although there was a frown on her face when normally she wore a look of contentment when resting. Reaching out, Hermione brushed her daughter's soft curls over her baby soft head. It was just the two of the... |
Drawing back, Hermione took her mobile from her back pocket and hit one of speed dials. Closing her eyes, she waited with bated breath for the other line to pick up, though she would not be surprised if it didn't. It took only two rings before the line clicked over and Harry's voice filled the void. |
"If you're calling to apologize, save it. I know you're under a lot of stress right now," he muttered. |
"Harry-" She tried to get words out, but choked on a sob. |
Immediately, Harry was questioning her well-being. "Hermione? What's happened? Is everything okay? Where's Loki?" |
The mention of Loki stopped the tears from flowing, an ache resonating deep within her chest. Suddenly realizing what she'd done, she hardened, deciding that she was not going to mourn the loss of their relationship. She'd told him to leave and he'd heeded her words. Swallowing thickly, she peered down at her daughter ... |
"He's gone, and I doubt he'll be coming back." |
Harry let out a low whistle across the line and she could almost see his fingers running through his hair in uncertainty. "Do you need me to come over?" |
"No, I'm going to be fine. Gwyneira and I... We'll be just fine." |
"Then what are you calling for?" |
Gripping the mobile tightly, Hermione made her choice. Loki and Hela be damned. She was going to make this world a better place. This world, not any other. She'd lived far too long in stagnancy, waiting for life to go her way. Not this time. Not now. She was going to make her own fate, prophecy or no prophecy. |
"Harry, tell Kingsley I'm going to run for Minister." |
Striding out of the Bifrost, Loki paid no mind to Heimdall as he began making his way toward the Rainbow Bridge. He neither wanted nor needed news from Midgard, having left his heart and soul there nearly a fortnight ago. In dark times such as these, it was best to simply lock away your emotions and forget they even ex... |
"She searches for you." |
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