Author's Note: Hey lovely readers! I hope you're ready for an emotional upheaval! Make sure to have a few tissues ready. Thank you for all the love for the last chapter and welcome to any new readers! Special thanks to my alpha Squarepeg72 for being awesome and my betas starrnobella and GaeilgeRua for helping me with this chapter! Oh! And I cannot forget to mention that Blaise's Prophecy is written by Squarepeg72. Thank you so, so much Leanne! You are a magician with poetry! Lastly, school will be over this week so that means more time for writing! YES! xxDustNight
*Playlist* (Remove '*' for it to work): Empire: http* * /u*ser/124640*1351/pla*ylist/2P4JPrUDdG*XyyYs6aEfuCr
Full Summary: Nine months after the fall of Fenrir, Hermione and Loki are still realms apart, physically and mentally. With a new threat lurking just on the horizon, complete with prophecies and time travel, will the two be able to save not only their budding family, but their friends' as well, or will evil prevail?
Trigger Warnings: Childbirth Complications, PTSD, Depression, Explicit Language, Sexual Content, Near Death, Character Death, Light Dom/sub, Light BDSM, Violence, Discussion of Miscarriage, Discussion of Suicide
Disclaimer: All non-original characters, plot points, and information belongs to those at Marvel Studios, Warner Brothers, or J.K. Rowling. The title, "Empire" comes from the song of the same title by the fantastic Of Monsters and Men. The cover photo was created for me by the lovely Freya Ishtar. The story plot and dialogue belongs to me. I do not write for profit.
Empire
Pairing: Hermione Granger/Loki Laufeyson
Rating: M (Rated Mature for adult language, violence, and sexual situations)
Part IV: Sacrifice
Song Recommendations: "Darkness" by Disturbed, "Hold on for your Life" by Sam Tinnesz, "Guilt" by Hurts, "Battle Cry" by Imagine Dragons, and "Hate on Fire" by Ben Hazlewood
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"Once we have an experience, we are thereafter unable to see the world as we did before.
Our innocence is lost and we cannot go home again."
— Daniel Gilbert
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Part IV: Sacrifice
Early February brought more cold and rain than snow, but no one seemed to mind. Gwyneira kept both Hermione and Loki busy, the two adjusting to life as parents easily enough. Some days were better than others, but neither were complaining. Since the day they returned to her flat, the tension between the two dissipated slightly, both realizing the faults they contributed to the circumstance. With such distractions as a new baby and getting reacquainted with one another, it was easy to forget about silly little things like prophecies and darkness realms away.
Soon, Loki would need to return to Jotunheim in order to sustain the peace he'd created and retain his place as king. He only hoped, when the time came, that Hermione and Gwyneira would be so inclined to join him there. It was a troubling, the thought that Hermione may not desire to go with him, forcing him to either rescind the throne or leave behind both his love and his beautiful daughter. Such thoughts made his heart ache, but he knew Hermione had a life here on earth with her work at the magical Ministry and her relationships with her family and friends. He'd hoped to have more time before having to deal with these problems, but it seemed fate had other plans.
Loki warned Thor to stay away from both him and Hermione for the time being, but tonight the God of Thunder sent word via Hermione's mobile device that he needed to speak with him urgently. Without much of a choice, he knew there would be no getting around this meeting. So, Loki lingered by the doorway, ignoring an impatient Harry waiting to apparate them to the lab. Hermione stood in front of him, a squirming Gwyneira in her arms and an uncertain smile on her face. This would be the first time since the hospital that they were apart, and apparently the baby could sense both her parents' uneasiness.
"You are certain she will calm after I have gone?" Loki inquired, taking a deep breath as he tried not to reach out and take his daughter into his arms in order to comfort her.
Hermione adjusted the baby in her arms, kissing her dark curls. "I don't see why not. Once she realizes there's nothing to be worried about, she'll be fine. Besides, Darcy and Jane are here to keep us company, and Pansy will be by shortly with a pizza."
Crinkling his nose at the thought of the Midgardian food, Loki backed away slightly. "Very well, then. I shall go, but call for me through the bond if anything should happen. I will be here in an instant." Then, tenderly, he cupped Hermione's cheek and kissed her lips, relishing in the ripple of affection he felt through their connection. Pulling back, he gently ruffled his daughter's silky hair before turning to give Harry a nod. "When you are ready, Potter."
Sighing, Harry shook his head. "You two are almost more disgusting than Blaise and Theo when it comes to PDA." Waving Loki to follow him, he made his way towards the staircase that would lead him and Loki outside. Gwyneira didn't like the sound of apparation so they all tried their best to do it away from her.
"You're just jealous, Harry!" Hermione playfully called after her long-time friend. She didn't hear his muttered reply, but whatever it was, it made Loki scowl. "Behave yourself, and please try not to kill Thor. Jane says he really is sorry for keeping things from the both of us," she whispered so her astrophysicist friend would not overhear from the kitchen.
"If he provokes me, I cannot be blamed for whatever happens," Loki grumbled, scowling as he walked out the open door.
Hermione laughed at his antics, shutting the door behind him after saying goodbye. She then walked towards the kitchen where Jane and Darcy were preparing a salad to go with the pizza they'd be having. "Okay, ladies; let's get the evening started! I haven't had a proper girl's night in ages!" Her two friends cheered her on, Jane coming forward to steal the baby from her arms. Not minding in the least, Hermione let herself relax, attempting to ignore the anxiety that lingered under her skin, an extension of Loki.
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Much later, Hermione sat in Ron's old reclining chair while she caught up with her friends. They'd enjoyed dinner, Pansy arriving not long after Loki had left. Now, they were sipping on tea and eating biscuits for dessert. The mood in the room was jovial, each lady taking their turn holding Gwyneira and cooing over her beauty. Hermione had never felt more content, more at peace, but for some reason there was a strange niggling at the far recesses of her mind that wouldn't let up. Biting her lip, she glanced over at her work bag where the research regarding the prophecy on her daughter, herself, and that third unknown person was currently hidden.
She'd not had the opportunity to look it over since returning home with her new daughter. This was mostly due to the fact that she didn't want Loki to know anything about the prophecy until she knew what the prophecy entailed. It wouldn't be wise to allow the Frost Giant knowledge that could change all of their lives. Prophecies could be altered, depending on whether they were tampered with. If Voldemort never knew about the prophecy regarding him and Harry, all their lives would have been quite different. And as for the prophecy about Blaise, well, only the two of them knew the contents of that one, and they intended to keep it that way. She only hoped whatever his was referring to was still years away, for the sake of them both.
Suppressing a chill, Hermione stood from the chair, intent on making more tea. She'd only gone a few steps when the lights in the entire flat flickered once and then went out, the room becoming pitch black. Blinking rapidly, Hermione whirled around to where she knew her friends and Gwyneira were situated. Beyond them, she knew the window should show the lights of the city, but there were none. Panic started to settle in her chest as she swallowed, carefully walking back towards the chair and gripping the top part tightly to steady herself.
"What the…?" She began, suddenly wondering what could have happened. "Pansy, is Eira still asleep?" Her daughter had fallen into a light sleep maybe half an hour ago, and with nothing stressful happening between her and Loki at the moment, she knew the lack of lights couldn't be her fault.
"Yeah," her friend answered, withdrawing her wand and muttering a lumos. The light from her wand illuminated the four women, all of whom were staring at the baby held in her arms. "She's fast asleep—look at that blue skin."
Darcy stood and wandered over to the window, pulling back the curtain to glance outside. "Uh…I know Eira is super magical and all that, but I'm pretty sure she can't turn out the lights to the entire city."
"What are you talking about?" Jane asked, rising to join her intern at the window. "Oh!" She exclaimed, "There's no light anywhere! All of London is blacked out!"
Hermione and Pansy shared a worried look before the dark-haired woman lifted the sleeping baby so Hermione could take her into her arms. Wand still held aloft, Pansy stood too, her free hand coming to rest on her rounded stomach. "Should we call Harry and the others? Maybe it's just a blackout."
Anxiety held Hermione in place, a fear like no other making her body quake. When darkness descends, she will come. That's what Blaise told her in the letter she'd burned. One line of a prophecy that she'd prayed never came to pass. It was all in the decisions that were to come. She needed to act fast, making sure everything was in place for this dreadful game they were about to play. Holding her sleeping daughter tightly against her chest, she cleared her throat. Taking a deep breath, she prepared to instruct her friends on what to do next, but before she could, the entire city trembled, throwing them all off balance. An explosion was heard in the distance and sirens filled the silence that had enveloped them all. Closing her eyes, Hermione prayed that they made it out of this alive.
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Irritated, Loki paced back and forth in the yard at Lady Jane's house. He'd refused to go inside, too afraid they'd try locking him in the basement again. He'd had enough imprisonment to last the rest of his long life; so unless Thor managed to tackle him and lay Mjolnir atop his body, he was staying free. Potter disappeared inside the house to talk with Banner after their arrival, leaving him alone with his brother for the first time in weeks. There was warning laced in Potter's words, cautioning him to refrain from hurting the King of Asgard. It took everything he had not to laugh in the mortal wizard's face, but he'd managed.
Continuing his endless pacing, Loki tried not to let his emotions get the best of him. Thor was waiting for him to answer a question he knew was inevitable, but was irksome nonetheless. Will you be returning to Jotunheim? Of course he would, but how? That was the true question, the one that needed answered. Without discussing this with Hermione, he could not give Thor a proper answer. Stopping, Loki glared up at the cloudless night sky, his fists clenching as anger bubbled unreasonably inside his chest. Pivoting, he stalked back towards where Thor stood waiting, an uneasy expression on is normally cheerful face.
Narrowing his eyes, he hissed, "You know I must return to Jotunheim, so why don't you tell me why you've really asked for me to come here tonight?" He always knew when his blundering brother had ulterior motives at play, and right now was one of those times.
Sighing heavily, Thor glanced away briefly before meeting Loki's intense stare. "I am returning to Asgard upon the morrow. I have lingered here on Midgard far too long, and I must continue looking into the disturbances that have been reported in the other realms. I would advise you to return to your kingdom as well."
Scoffing, Loki smirked as he tried not to snap at his brother. "You are advising me to return to Jotunheim tomorrow? How thoughtful of you to give me adequate time to contemplate such a feat." As he ran a hand through his dark locks, he backed away so he would not feel so inclined to punch Thor's perfect face. "How did you envision I would reply to that, brother? Did you expect me to acquiesce without compromise?"
Thor worked his jaw before answering, his words hesitant and carefully thought out. "I shall understand if you must remain here on Midgard. Hermione and Gwyneira will, no doubt, need—"
Cutting him off, Loki slashed his hand at Thor. "Do not dare speak of my daughter," he seethed, fury raging like a vacuum within his soul. He knew Hermione would feel his rage, but he'd take care of her concerns later. "It is because of you, you interfering fool, that I almost lost out on sacred moments of her life. I had no idea she even existed, and for what reason, Thor? What could possibly have been running through your oversized head that indicated keeping such a secret from me was a wise decision?"
Rubbing a large hand over his weary face, Thor resigned himself to the fact that he'd been wrong. It was now time to admit as such to his brother; because if he didn't, he suspected the fissure they'd only recently repaired between them would grow larger than ever before. He'd thought he was doing what was best for Loki, that the mischievous god would grow curious enough on his own and venture forth to Hermione and learn about the child he'd never expected to have. Or, he'd hoped Hermione would crawl out of her depression long enough to see that she needed Loki. Unfortunately, he'd failed miserably in these regards, nearly killing Hermione, and in extension, the only brother he ever knew.
"Loki," he began and then paused, clearing his throat. "Brother, it was wrong for me to keep secrets as I did, shielding you from a happiness you deserved after risking your life to destroy Fenrir. I thought that you may be inclined not to take the throne you earned, leaving it open for someone unworthy to sit upon. Jotunheim needed you to take over rule, to save it from further destruction. I only hope that someday you may forgive me, as I have forgiven you for your past transgressions. I meant no harm." It was the best he could do for now, and he hoped Loki heard the truth behind his apology.
Bristling with a cacophony of emotions, Loki simply stared at Thor. The words the oaf spoke were from the heart, he knew that most sincerely, but it did not change the fact that he still felt betrayed by his brother. As that thought settled in his mind, Loki blinked once, and then again. Damn, he thought, Now, I know exactly how he felt each and every time I betrayed him and our family. Wanting to pull out his hair, or stab something, Loki swallowed thickly, his throat suddenly tight knowing what he had to do. Squaring his shoulders, he tried to keep the scowl from his face.
"It's—It's fine." Sighing, he tried again, knowing he had to do this the right way, the honest way, or Thor would never take him seriously. "I accept your apology, Thor." Then, after raking his hand through his hair yet again, he continued, "And I must speak with Hermione at once. I wish to return to Jotunheim, but I will not do so unless she and Eira come with me."
"I can give you three days, if that helps," Thor offered with a smile. "I will arrange for Heimdall to open the Bifrost to you and your family once I return to Asgard. It is not ideal, leaving you here unattended, but as long as you promise to continue your benevolence, I will breathe easy."
Taking a few deep breaths, Loki tried to ignore the underlying insult hidden within that last statement. He was fully aware of the way people regarded him still as some sort of villain despite having removed Fenrir from the land of the living. Glaring at his brother, Loki gave his promise. "I will refrain from doing anything you may consider villainous. I have no reason to harm this world or any other, unless of course, they try to harm those that I love."
Chuckling, the sound warm despite the cold that surrounded them as they stood in the dark yard, Thor reached out and gently placed his hand on Loki's shoulder. "I will never grow used to this new version of you, brother. Your oath to protect your loved ones is most admirable, and I commend you for that. You will make a good father, and I know mother would be proud of who you have become." As he spoke, Thor watched Loki pick uncomfortably at his left hand at the compliments being bestowed upon him. And at the mention of Frigga, his emerald eyes widened ever so slightly before he had to look away. Smiling fondly, Thor had to give the Rime Diamonds credit—never in his wildest dreams did he expect to see this version of Loki.
"Sentiment," Loki huffed, "it will kill us all in the end."
"Or," Thor countered, "it will save us all." With a gentle shake, Thor released the hold he had on Loki's shoulder and stepped back, inhaling the cold, night air. "You do not always have to be so cynical; after all, you have much to rejoice these days."
A smirk lifted the corner of Loki's mouth as he clasped his hands behind his back. "While I am enjoying basking in the glow of Gwyneira and Hermione, too, I still cannot wait for the other proverbial shoe to drop. Nothing is ever easy, and no one truly gets their happily ever after. You cannot deny the truth of that."
"I take each day as it comes, Loki. That is all we can do—revel in what we have and do not dwell on what is yet to come." Deciding it was time to return inside and prepare for his journey, Thor nodded once at Loki and began walking towards the backdoor. Over his shoulder he called out one last bit of advice to the mischievous one. "When speaking with Hermione about whether she should travel with you to Jotunheim, I would make sure to indicate it as her choice and not an ultimatum. As I am sure you are aware, the witch does not like being forced into a corner."
"I am well aware, brother… Well aware." Loki stood in the yard, waiting for Potter to join him after Thor told him their discussion was at an end. He looked out over the rooftops of the houses around him, wondering what it might be like to live a simple life, one where he did not have to rule the Jotuns. Could he live amongst the Midgardians, learning their ways of life, as well as the ways of the wizarding community Hermione was part of?
Gwyneira was a magical being, she would have to be taught to control her magic just as both he and Hermione had done. There were special institutions here on Midgard that she would attend if she remained here; but if she returned and stayed with him on Jotunheim, it would be up to her parents to guide her in the ways of sorcery. Rocking on the balls of his feet, Loki pictured his little Eira, making blocks and rattles float aloft as he watched on, sitting next to her on the floor. It was a wondrous vision, one he yearned for despite only knowing his daughter for six weeks.
The door to the house had just beeped open when it happened, a vibration rocking him where he stood and sending the entire vicinity plunging into darkness. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end as a chilling silence enveloped the area. Something did not feel right about this type of darkness. Wetting his lips, he allowed his eyes to adjust to the change in atmosphere, narrowing to see even the smallest shift of movement.
"Thor," he called quietly, hoping he was wrong about what he felt currently. "I believe we may have a situation at hand."
"What do you think this is?" The God of Thunder inquired, holding the door open, and letting Potter step outside. "Is it not simply a failure in the electrical system of the city?"
"The entire city?" Came Potter's incredulous whisper. "I highly doubt that. When the power goes out, normally, it's only within a certain radius. This is bigger than that… There's no light anywhere."
A sudden explosion to the north left them reeling, and as the sirens started to fill the silence, Loki felt the first undercurrent of fear trickle through the connection he shared with Hermione. "I must return to Hermione and Eira. Something is not right, you are correct in your predictions, Potter. My only concern, is that this is the cause of something we are ill prepared to deal with."
"What do you speak of," Thor asked, uneasiness filling his voice as he returned to stand by Loki's side.
"This blackout was not cause by normal means, faulty electrical systems or disturbances in the atmospheres. No, this is a powerful spell, one that has been cast over the entire city and possibly even further." Relaxing his breathing, Loki centered himself, preparing to return to his family. "Potter, warn your Minister and then return to Hermione's flat. Thor, you must go north and seek out what has come to conquer this planet, for I fear you have made a grave miscalculation regarding the warning signs in the other realm."
"What have I miscalculated?"
"When the Allfather passed on, would his holding spells not have dissipated?" When Thor nodded, a quick jerk of his head, Loki continued. "I believe that an old enemy of ours may have escaped her prison, and she will not be in the best of moods having found her plaything dead."
"You jest! You do not believe she has broken free of the ties that bind her to Niflheim?" Thor's terror lit up his eyes in the darkness, the shining blue illuminating Loki and Potter where they stood.
"It is insanity, but I do not play when it comes to her." Turning to Potter, Loki growled, "You must go, now!"
"And how do you plan on getting back to the flat?" Harry asked withdrawing his wand and preparing to apparate to the Minister's house. "Or are you going with Thor?"
"Oh, me?" Loki teased, a sinister smirk sliding onto his features. "I do not require assistance in teleporting any longer. I spent my time on Jotunheim honing the new skills I gained from sharing magic with Hermione. I shall see you there."
With that said, and enjoying the way both Potter and Thor's faces broke into identical masks of surprised horror, Loki used his residual Star Magic to tear a hole in the astral plane and disappear into the void. Once inside, the tear sealing behind him, he ignored the dark creatures that lurked there and sought out Hermione's core. He found it quickly, like a beacon in the night, and made quick work of preparing to exit. He knew he would have hell to pay for his little magic trick, but right now all that mattered was making sure his family was safe from the demons of his past.
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Hand in hand, Theo and Blaise strolled down the cobblestone road in Diagon Alley. They'd just celebrated an early Valentine's Day by having dinner at The Tower and were now window-shopping before heading home. It was completely relaxing despite the chill of the night. Next to Blaise, Theo was discussing some new shop they were planning on putting in to replace the old apothecary, but he wasn't really listening. Something was making him uneasy, but he had no idea what it could be. Well, that wasn't entirely true.
It will happen in the New Year…
The New Year was upon them, but the prophecy that was solely his still had yet to pass, and he wasn't sure whether to be relieved or terrified. Glancing at Theo, he smiled, nodding at just the right moment so his husband wouldn't think he was being ignored. They continued on, passing by Weasley's Wizard Wheezes which was lit bright enough to wake the dead. He wondered if Ron and George were working this evening or if it was their night off. Sighing, he tried to distract himself from the undercurrent of uneasiness that disturbed him.
"Theo," he said causing the other to stutter into silence, "I would like to return home now, wouldn't you?" Theo gave him a confused look, but then smiled, making his heart melt.
"Of course," Theo agreed, leaning forward to place a kiss upon his dark cheek. "If that's what you wish." The last part was whispered against his lips, sending a thrill of pleasure through the both of them.
"Let's go, then," he murmured, giving Theo's hand a squeeze and turning them towards the Leaky where they could exit back into the Muggle world. "The things I want to do to you right now are highly inappropriate for the watchful eyes of those around us, and you know how I don't like to share."
Laughing, Theo snuggled closer to Blaise as they walked. "I don't know, Blaise, I wouldn't mind if they watched." He gave his husband a saucy grin when he turned to stare at him, mouth agape.
"You'll pay for that cheekiness, husband mine."
"I look forward to it."
They chuckled, relishing in the simple comfort and love of one another. It was something Blaise made sure not to take advantage of—each second with Theo was both a blessing and a burden, but he made sure to focus on the happiness there. He had every intention of making their time together something Theo would never forget. Since their marriage, they were only ever apart if at work or by some off chance of fate. Basking in the affection of his husband, Blaise wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of forever just like this. Happy. Loved. Safe. Alive.
Passing by the exuberant WWW once more, Blaise was just about to suggest popping in quickly for some of their adult playthings when the lights went out unexpectedly. In fact, all the lights in Diagon Alley were off, making the couple stop short. He felt, rather than heard, the sharp intake of breath from Theo at the suddenness of it all. It was a shock to the system to go from such a brightly lit atmosphere to absolute darkness in less than the blink of an eye. And that's when it hit him, cold undulating terror. It started in his gut and traveled up his spine, slinking over his shoulders and settling in his heart.
"What the…"
"We have to go, Theo. Now!" He tried to run, tugging Theo with him, but the shorter man dug his heels into the cobblestone, forcing him to stop. Turning to his husband, Blaise dropped the hand he still held. "What are you doing? We have to get out of here. We have to get home!"
"No, Blaise," he hissed in the silence, for most of the passerby had become quiet as the lights went out. "We will stay right here until you tell me what has you so upset. It's just the lights gone out… Probably some sort of faulty line in the Muggle side, you know?"
His mouth was dry as he took hold of Theo's shoulders, trying to keep his breathing calm despite the threat of hyperventilating on the horizon. "Look, Theo; there are things you don't know about, things that will come to pass if we don't get out of here and someplace safe right now."
"Hah!" The bark of laughter surprised Blaise, but Theo didn't care. He continued on, "Things I don't know!? Of course I do not know them. Secrets between you and Hermione about those damned prophecies. I knew I should never have mentioned it to her, and showing you yours was a mistake as well."
Groaning, Blaise roughly rubbed his hands over his face and short hair. "Bloody hell, Theo, you just—you don't understand. Please, let's go. I can't tell you—"
"I'm not going anywhere until you tell me why this sudden darkness has you all riled up over a prophecy? I've not forgotten how I found you that day—bloody hands and trembling body. Whatever was in that prophecy meant something to you, and you're going to tell me right now or I'm going to walk away and leave you here to your own devices." Theo clenched his jaw together after threatening Blaise, not wanting to let on that it was all a ruse. He'd never leave Blaise, especially not now when he was clearly so distraught.
"Fuck," Blaise spat, looking away from his husband as he tried to get his racing thoughts to slow the hell down. Taking a semi-calming breath, he met the sapphire eyes of the only man he'd ever loved. "When darkness descends, she will come," he whispered, the words of the prophecy making his heart beat rapidly and breaking it at the same time.
"Who will come?"
"Hell if I know, but only death can come from her if we stay out here." In the next instant there was an explosion, fairly close to where they were, but obviously in the Muggle world. "Shit!"
"Okay," Theo said, glancing back and forth as people began to scream and run for cover. "I believe you, but people are going into a panic, and there's bound to be injured Muggles. We can't just run and hide, Blaise—that's not the type of people we are."
"I—you—I don't want you to get hurt," Blaise admitted, knowing it was nothing but a half-truth. He startled when his husband stepped forward and cupped his cheek, brushing his thumb over his cheekbone.
"I'll be okay, and so will you," Theo assured him. "Come on, what do you say? Do we run and hide, or do we go and help save the world again?"
Blaise put his hand over top Theo's holding him in place as he tried to think quickly. He could say to hell with it and apparate them both out of there to safety, or he could run right into the heart of the battle, knowing exactly what he would find there. He thought of the short time they'd been married, all the precious seconds playing behind his eyes like some sort of sick slideshow. If they avoided the main conflict, then maybe the prophecy wouldn't come to pass. Maybe they'd remain safe, saving Muggles and not worrying about anything else.
His decision made, Blaise exhaled and wrapped Theo in a quick embrace. He kissed Theo hungrily, wanting him to remember this forever and ever. The feel of him in his arms, the taste of him on his lips, the scent of chocolate fondue on his breath. It felt like it lasted a lifetime, but in reality, it was over far too soon. Separating, Blaise placed his forehead on Theo's and nodded.
"Alright," he muttered, giving into Theo's wishes. "You're right. Let's go and help save people."
Nodding, despite the uncertainty that now was making his stomach churn uncomfortably, Theo intertwined their fingers once again. He led them to the end of Diagon Alley, his fingers pressed gingerly against his kiss-bruised lips wondering where the hell that Earth shattering kiss had come from. It rocked him more than that explosion had, and now he wasn't so sure this was such a good idea. When they reached the end, he used his wand to tap out the complex pattern that shifted the wall and allowed them access back into the Leaky where they'd head into the Muggle world.
Something far darker than they'd ever encountered was at play here, and for Blaise to act in such a manner, he knew it had to be bad. He'd probably regret his decision, but he knew if they didn't try to do at least something, they would both regret it come morning. Exiting the Leaky and coming out into Muggle London, the couple met each other's frightened eyes. He gave Blaise a nod and squeezed his hand for comfort. Then, together, they withdrew their wands and raced into the darkness, prepared to fight the unknown, no matter what destruction awaited them on the other side.
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Still standing in the darkness of the living room, Hermione attemtpted to figure out what to do next. Using he wand, he added her own lumos to the one Pansy already had going, helping to illuminate the room even further. She was just about to call out to Loki through their connection when Darcy let out a strangled cry, startling the stuffing out of all of them. Whirling about, wand at the ready and Gwyneira held tightly against her chest. She was surprised to find Loki standing in the middle of the room, hands up in surrender as he stared down the end of her wand. Alone.
"Loki!" She gushed, relief flooding her before her curiosity got the best of her. Frowning, she looked back and forth, trying to find the source of his arrival. "How did you get here?"
"I moved through the astral plane," he answered quickly, using the tip of his finger to ease her wand down. He walked around her, to the window, where he peered into the darkness. "We must act quickly."
"Okay…" Hermione exchanged confused glances with her three girlfriends. "But how did you—" Loki cut her off, though, turning from the window and plucking his daughter from her arms.
"It's not important right now. There is no time to waste." He met her heavy stare, glaring until she conceded, but knowing she would not drop the topic entirely. "Fine, I taught myself how to teleport while secluded on Jotunheim. I thought it would come in handy, and I was right."
"Where's Harry?" Hermione decided it was best to table the topic of his teleportation for now. "Shouldn't he have come with you?"
"He has gone to speak with your Minister. We are all in danger and must take precautions right this moment." Loki turned and practically pushed the baby into Pansy's arms before pointing at the fireplace. "Pansy, take Gwyneira, Jane, and Darcy to the abode your husband's parents dwell. That should be far enough from here to keep you all safe for the time being."
"I can do that," Pansy agreed, lifting one dark eyebrow at the god. "Hermione, is there anything I need to take with me for Eira? And should I call Ron to come and help you? He was working late with George."
"Molly probably has everything you need, to be honest," the bushy-haired witch mumbled, watching as Loki once again went to the window and looked out into the darkened city. "Uh, Jane, Darcy—are you okay with going through the floo?"
"I'm fine with it," Darcy replied, carefully making her way to stand by Pansy at the fireplace. "I've actually been wanting to try this out for a long time." There was a bit of excitement to her voice, her lips forming a smile to which Jane rolled her eyes.
"Of course you have…" Jane laughed, throwing up her hands. "I guess we really have no choice. I'm no help in situations that call for magic. When are we ever going to have a normal life again?" She joined Darcy at the fireplace, crossing her arms as she waited for further instruction.
"What's a normal life," Hermione replied with a nervous grin. "I've been helping save the world since I was eleven years old. Why should I stop now?" She tipped her head to stare at Loki, the smile falling when he didn't return the gesture. "What's wrong?"
"There will be no convincing you to go with them, am I correct?" A heavy sigh left him as he stepped closer to her, carding his long fingers through her wild curls. Through their bond he spoke, Please, go with them. You will be safe there, far from whatever awaits in the darkness.
For an unknown reason, tears pricked at Hermione's eyes as she stared up into Loki's tense face. Biting her lip, she placed her hand over his heart, the ring that bound them together glinting in the light from the wands. You know we're more powerful when together, not apart. Gwyneira will be safe with my friends, I will be safe with you, and you will be safe with me. I cannot leave you alone to fight whatever is out there. Aloud she said, "No, I will come with you and aid where I can."
He gave her a curt nod, extracting his fingers from her hair and backing away. "Very well, then. You three, get on with it. Time is waning, and once Potter arrives, we will have to join my brother out in the city."
"Get in," Pansy instructed Jane and Darcy, waiting until they were situated to slide into the hearth as well. "Hermione, you call the instant whatever battle is about to take place is over. And for the love of Merlin, please don't die—either of you," she tacked on at the end meeting Loki's emerald eyes.
"We'll be careful," Hermione promised, handing her friend the small pot of floo powder. After Pansy took a handful, she returned the pot to the top of the mantle and stepped back. "Keep her safe," she whispered, wrapping her arms around her middle and trying not to cry as Pansy held her daughter closer.
"I will care for her as if she were my own, I swear it."
"So do I," Jane told her, making her smile.
"Yeah, you know I love the kid too, even if she is part Loki." Darcy's words made them all chuckle, except Loki, who scoffed.
"Get on with it, mortals," Loki urged, but he had a hard time keeping the smirk from his lips. He wrapped his arms around Hermione's shoulders as the raven-haired witch threw down the powder and called out, 'The Burrow.' They were gone in a rush of green flames, the light illuminating the room briefly.
"Do you really think she'll be safe there, that they will all be safe there?" Hermione turned in his arms, needing to hear his words as a reassurance that everything wasn't about to go to hell in a cauldron.
"Anywhere is safer than London at the moment," he grumbled, tipping her chin up so he could stare into her chocolate eyes easier. Sensing her worry, he kissed her softly, willing her to release the tension she felt, wanting her to give it to him so she would not be so distracted once they joined his brother in battle. Before the kiss could deepen, there was a 'pop' and Potter appeared, effectively ruining the moment.
"Seriously? The world is probably ending and you're here getting frisky with the Frost Giant?" Harry joked, crossing his arms as he stared at his best friend and her lover.
"Watch your tongue, mortal," Loki growled, stepping forward, only to be pulled back by Hermione's strong grip on his forearm. He raised his eyebrows at her and she released him, eyes wide as she remembered her strength.
"Easy there, Loki," Harry conceded, holing up his hands. "I was only joking around." When it was apparent that Loki had no plans to murder him, Harry continued, "So what's the plan?"
"We're going to find my brother and deal with this invasion," the god stated simply, digging in his leathers as he searched for his daggers. Finding them, he made sure they were easily accessible before turning to face the two wizards.
"How are we going to find Thor?" Hermione pointed at the dark window with her wand. "In case you haven't noticed, it's darker than a cauldron full of Living Death outside."
"Mortals," Loki muttered, ignoring their combined exclaim of 'hey' as he swiped his hand, opening a hole to the astral plane. "Have you both forgotten so easily that I taught myself how to teleport? I know my brother's essence and can find him easily once we are inside. Now, let's not waste any more time prattling on." He gestured to the strange portal, one eyebrow raised as he waited for them both to decide to come with him.
Hermione shrugged as Harry met her eyes, as if saying, 'why the hell not?' They'd ventured into crazier situations and places than what Loki was showing them right now. Moving forward, the two friends entered the astral plane, unsure and unprepared for the chaos they would find on the other side. Stealing himself, Loki followed behind, hoping whatever they found out there in the city, or rather who, was not the person he feared most.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Letting out the breath she'd been holding, slowly, Hermione was thankful to be back on solid ground. Well, the astral plane seemed solid enough, but it had felt wrong, unreal even. Harry was looking around himself in amazement, clearly baffled how the entire thing worked. To be honest, she hardly believed it either, but now was not the time wonder over such places. She'd discuss it at length with Loki later, when the danger was dealt with and they were at home with their daughter. Safe.
Thor appeared around the corner of a building, and Hermione called out to him, "Thor! Over here!" He ran to her, hammer held tightly in his fist as she watched on. Loki and Harry flanked her sides as they waited for the God of Thunder.
"I was starting to wonder when you would arrive," Thor told them, his keen eyes watching the shadows that loomed around them. "Not all is at it seems here in this part of the city. What do you think, brother?" Using Mjolnir, Thor gestured towards the shadows, which appeared to be crawling, shimmering in the light from Hermione and Harry's wands.
"Shadow monsters," Loki said simply, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "There are thirteen of them. I can sense their magic." He extracted his daggers, flipping them into his palms as he prepared to fight.
"Oh…" Hermione glanced around her, eyes growing wide. "That's what I'm feeling. It's like something is watching me, but I can't tell from where." She shivered, hating the way it felt like something was creeping up her spine. She disliked the dark, preferring light and cheerful environments. If they made it out of this alive, she knew there would be many sleepless nights courtesy of her PTSD and reoccurring nightmares.
"Yes," Loki whispered, sliding into a battle stance. "They will attack quickly, and they will not be gentle. I suggest using spells that aim to maim, to kill. Do not play around, Potter, for these beasts will not show mercy."
"Stick to violence, then," the Head Auror murmured, giving a wobbly shadow a nervous look. "How long do we wait before they attack?"
"I suggest we provoke them, if only to eliminate them before their master realizes we are here. We will not be able to battle the beasts and the master at the same time," Loki advised, taking a tentative step towards a particularly immense and dark shadow.
"Provoke them!?" Hermione squeaked, giving him a look of complete horror. "That sounds like a horrible idea!" She gripped her wand harder, running through the long list of spells and curses she thought might be useful.
"My brother is right," Thor said as he walked out into the open space of the cark park they'd appeared at. "If we wait too long, these creatures will surround us and the result will be deadly. Already they are moving closer towards us from the darkness."
"Oh fuck," Harry muttered as he turned to look behind him. Sure enough, the shadows quivered there as well. Putting himself into battle mode, he decided to take the back end of things, signaling Hermione to turn around and fight alongside of him.
Instincts kicking in, Hermione did just that, bringing her wand up and stepping into place next to her colleague and best friend. How many times had they done this before, fought alongside each other? She'd lost count somewhere along the way. All that mattered now was coming out victorious, but they were up against monsters from other realms. Would their magic even stand a chance? Giving Harry a side-look, she signaled she was ready when he was.
"If it's a fight they want," Harry began, wetting his lips, "then it's a fight they'll get. Reducto!"
His spell shot, bright orange, from the tip of his wand. It exploded in the center of one of the shadow monsters, causing it to give off the most otherworldly scream Hermione had ever heard. It made every hair on her entire body stand on end, and just like that, the battle began. She joined Harry firing spell after spell and curse after curse at the creepy beasts that materialized seemingly out of nowhere.
She used spells she knew would hurt people, Dark spells, ones they were only authorized to use in the direst of circumstances. Harry didn't give her a second glance as they worked, giving her the impression that the Minister had cleared the use of these spells when he'd gone to talk to him before arriving at her flat. As one of the shadows nearly caught her in the arm, its invisible teeth gnashing furiously, she decided even if they didn't have permission, she couldn't care less. This was what it was like battling for one's life—these were not Death Eaters or even werewolves, these were monsters. Real life monsters.
"Sectumsempra," she screamed, the horrible spell tearing from her throat. It sliced into the shadow monster that was attempting to eat her alive, ripping it asunder and spraying her with black blood. It took everything in her power not to gag, but she managed, moving onto the next one. In her peripheral vision, she saw Loki and Thor tacking their own shadow monsters, somehow working together. Loki's daggers were a perfect balance to Thor's hammer, their momentum and fortitude a clear display of the centuries of practice they had under their proverbial belts. Returning her focus to the front of her, she watched as Harry used a blasting spell to destroy a third monster.
The battle went on for some time, until only two beasts remained. At this point Harry and Hermione joined forces with Thor and Loki, the four of them easily bringing the second to last one to its death. Hermione stepped back then, breathlessly watching as Thor beat the final monster into submission. Loki then sliced open its throat, a look of pure glee on his features as the black blood drenched his hands. It terrified her to see him in such a state, but she knew well the evil that lurked behind his loving façade. She felt it sometimes, trying to climb its way out of her very soul.
Shaking such thoughts from her head, she wiped at her bloodstained face and tentatively walked over to where Loki and Thor stood whispering. When she reached the pair, the former sheathed his daggers and grabbed hold of her elbow, tugging her closer to inspect her carefully. Upon finding her unscathed, he breathed a sigh of relief, his breath making the curls flutter around her face. She wet her lips are she stared up into his face, examining the bright, crazed look still glinting in his emerald eyes.
"What do we do now," she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. In fact, she wasn't even sure she'd spoken aloud. Nevertheless, Loki blinked, the feral look in his eyes lessoning as he considered her words. She waited patiently for an answer, not even noticing the way his fingers still dug dangerously into the tender flesh of her arm.
"We wait for her to come to us."
She was just about to ask who she was when there was a strangled cry from the end of the car park. Whipping her head around, Hermione felt her knees buckle at the sight before her. "God… No…"
Loki felt her nearly fall to her knees, thankful for the grip he held on her arm. Following her line of sight, he watched as Blaise and Theo ran towards them, wands alight and cautious looks on their faces. "What are they doing here?" Loki inquired, somehow knowing their presence was a foreboding sign.
Suddenly, Hermione ripped herself from his grasp, running full out towards the pair. "Blaise! What the bloody hell do you think you're doing!? Get the fuck out of here, you idiot!" She barreled into him, wrapping her arms around his waist as she began to sob.
He was sobbing too, his body shaking so badly he could barely stand. "When I realized what was happening, I couldn't—I couldn't just let it happen. I have to try…" He took hold of her shoulders and held her at arm's length, watching the tears run rivers down her bloodstained cheeks. "Maybe we can change it."
Theo joined them then, and Hermione shook her head, turning her attention to him. "Theo, get him out of here before it's too late." She pleaded with him, reaching out to grab hold of his hand, but the wizard backed away, a resigned look on his face.
"I have no fucking clue what's got you two so rattled, but we're not going to leave you alone to fight," he stopped, gesturing around at the massacred shadow monsters, "whatever these beasts are."
"You've no idea what is yet to come," Loki hissed, forcing himself into their circle and taking hold of Hermione and dragging her away from the couple. "Pull yourself together before she arrives or you'll be an easy target. Do you wish to die this night? Because if you do not get your mind together right now, I will force you back to the flat without second thought!" He forcefully grabbed hold of her chin, forcing her to look him in the eye.
With a shuddering breath, Hermione realized he was right—she was acting foolish, falling apart in the midst of battle. She had no idea who they were waiting for, but she could sense the underlying terror surging through Loki's veins, and that was enough to get her thinking rationally. "Okay," she breathed out. "I'm okay."
Loki released his hold on her chin before turning away. "Good, now as for you two; if you plan to stay, then you better prepare yourselves for the battle of your life."
"My brother is right," Thor explained as he and Harry joined them, both looking weary and battle worn already. "We will have our work cut out for us when she arrives. We will want to do everything we can to protect this realm from her wrath."
"Who is she!?" Theo practically screamed, finally losing his patience. "I'm tired of all of you talking about this person but not using her name! It's like dealing with the entire wizarding community and their fear of saying Voldemort all over again."
"He has a point," Harry muttered, prodding Hermione in the arm.
Thor and Loki shared a pointed look, and then Loki opened his mouth to speak, but he never got the chance. For at that moment, a cold like no other enveloped them, the shadow monsters dissipating into nothingness as an intense fog appeared from seemingly nowhere. Immediately on the alert, the wizards all lifted their wands while Thor wielded Mjolnir and Loki palmed his daggers. There was a cackling laughter from within the darkness, and then she appeared, drawing a growl from Loki that reverberated through the connection he and Hermione shared.
Giving him a sidelong glance, she went on high alert, an unwarranted flash of jealousy flaring within her. She swallowed that down for the time being, not wanting Loki to sense her emotions. Returning her attention to the woman standing in the center of the black blood-spattered lot, Hermione examined this new arrival even as every bone in her body urged her to run, to flee before it was too late. The woman was thin, tall, but made even taller by the multi-horned headdress she wore like a crown. Her body was wrapped in slick and shining black leather, hugging her curves. And as the woman turned to face them, Hermione met her obsidian eyes, terror making her blood run cold.
"Hela."
That one word—name—tore through Hermione, and this time she did turn her head to gape at Loki. "What—what did you say?" She stuttered, praying she'd heard wrong, that the one name she feared the most hadn't just fallen from the lips of the man she loved.
Without removing his gaze from the villain before him, Loki bared his teeth as he spoke. "Hela. It appears death itself has managed to escape her cage, at last." With a start, Loki tensed, staring at Hermione out of the corner of his eye. "Why do you ask? Have you heard of her before?" A suspicion was growing in Loki's gut, but he refused to believe it until she spoke the truth aloud. It would be a worst case scenario, one that would rip his heart to shreds before he tore the realms apart, leaving nothing but ruin in his wake.
"I—She—"
Irritated, Theo inched forward to stand shoulder to shoulder with Hermione. "Hela is the third name on a prophecy that includes not only Hermione, but your daughter as well." He laughed, the sound sarcastic and very much unlike himself. "She's been trying to get me to allow her access to the bloody thing for months. I guess it doesn't matter what the Minister hoped to accomplish in keeping you away from it; danger and death has still managed to find its way to us once again."
Blaise stepped forward then too, his left hand sliding down the length of Theo's arm until he could grip his hand. "Theo, relax; now is not the time to be angry. This woman…she is what we need to focus on."
"The dark man speaks the truth," Hela's raspy voice broke through their argument, drawing their attention back to the current threat. When all eyes were on her, she smirked, white teeth glinting in the darkness. "I get the impression my presence is entirely unexpected. Is it not, Thor Odinson?"
"You are meant to be locked in a cage, far away on Niflheim," Thor practically growled, knuckles white as he held Mjolnir at the ready. "And you shall return there shortly."
The shriek of laughter that left Hela's throat was high-pitched and made every hair stand up on the back of Hermione's neck. "How adorable you are, thinking you have control over me any longer. I am assuming the Allfather is dead, which means I am free to do as I please." She wiggled her fingers and a long, deadly sword appeared in her palm. "After I destroy you petty fools, I will take what is rightfully mine and return unto Hel where I shall plan to take over the rest of this insignificant universe."
"Rightfully yours?" Questioned Thor, "To what are you referring? Nothing in this realm, nor any other, belongs to you."
Rolling her dark eyes, Hela took a threatening step towards the six of them. "Revenge." She met their stares, each in turn, before locking eyes with Thor. "I will avenge Fenrir. You have struck down my darling wolf, and you will pay most dreadfully."
"Thor did not end that beast." Loki interrupted, taking a step towards her as well, effectively shielding Hermione partially from her view. "I did, and I would do it again in a heartbeat."
The atmosphere grew even colder, if that was possible, as Hela realized who had spoken to her. "Loki." His name fell off her lips like a twisted sort of prayer, her expression both darkening with anger and something much more sinister. "What a pleasure to see you once more. Have you missed me?" Her obsidian eyes glinted in the darkness, her words dripping with an unspoken threat.
"Missed you?" Loki practically spat as he regarded Hela with cool disinterest. "I am the one who secured the lock on your cage." He laughed then, ignoring the way her face darkened with anger. "This realm is protected by far more beings than who you see before you. I suggest you scurry off while you still can. Because if word travels, and travel it does, you will have an entire army of Avengers to throw you back in your cell."
"Hah!" She threw her horned head back in laughter. "The Avengers? I've heard word of them these past few months. They are no more a threat to me than these mortal wizards you've brought with you this night." Wetting her black-painted lips with her tongue, Hela took another step forward. "Perhaps, I can offer a trade. If you agree to come with me, Loki, then I will let the rest of you live, for now."
Throwing caution to the wind, Hermione practically shoved Loki out of the way in an effort to get at Hela. "He does not belong to you, Hela!" The surge of protection she felt for the father of her daughter masked the threat of fear pumping through her blood and evoked the dormant Star Magic that lingered within her soul. "Now be gone before we are forced to subdue you entirely."
Dark eyebrows rose eloquently as she regarded the witch in front of her. "And who might you be, insignificant little witch?" Hela waited somewhat impatiently for the bushy-haired bitch to respond.
"Who I am does not matter; what matters is that—" But Hermione's words were cut off as Loki grabbed hold of her shoulder and wrenched her backward, further away from the Goddess of Death.
"Shut your mouth, Hermione, lest I do it for you," he hissed so only she could hear. "Hela will not hesitate to kill you on the spot should you even breathe in a way she does not approve of. She is known as the Goddess of Death, and death she will bring to us all if we do not play this carefully."
Hermione's eyes searched Loki's angry ones, noticing the red gleam that flared briefly before the emerald returned. "She wants to take you away from me—from us, Loki! I cannot allow her to do that." Tugging free of his grasp, she turned her attention back toward Hela, meeting the villain's unwavering glare.
Off to the side, Blaise and Theo watched the madness unfold. Carefully, so as not to draw attention to the both of them, Blaise reached down and grabbed Theo's hand, intertwining their fingers together. Quietly, voice barely a whisper, he spoke to his husband, "Theo, if things go awry here tonight, I want you to know how much I love you. And I need you to promise me something—I need you to promise that you won't do anything rash. Don't lock yourself away like you did the last time you had your heart broken. Don't go back to Egypt—don't push everyone away." He said this all in a rush, without taking a breath.
Tensing, Theo tilted his head to stare in terror at Blaise. "What the fuck are you talking about Blaise? It's like you're…" He paused, choking on his words. "Like you're saying goodbye." When Blaise said nothing in return, he stiffened, realization dawning as he followed the dark-skinned man's view to Hela and then back again. His breathing quickened, and his palms felt sweaty from the fear. "That prophecy—"
A shout averted their attention back to Hela, and Theo watched as the evil sorceress lifted her long and gleaming sword high into the air. She brandished the weapon, the ancient metal glinting in the light from their wands. Time stood still as Theo met Blaise's regret-filled eyes. There was so much more he wanted to say, but he would never have the chance.
"I'm sorry," Blaise mouthed as he released the hold he had on Theo's hand. "I love you…" He ran then, turning his back on the love of his life as he rushed forward and threw himself in front of Hermione, shielding her from Hela's sword. He had no idea what would happen from here on out, but he knew that this was what he was meant to do—it was his destiny, foretold in a prophecy that would ruin countless lives. Closing his eyes as the freezing metal pierced his heart, Blaise refrained from crying out, not wanting Theo to know just how much it hurt sacrificing himself for the good of them all.
As the openly surprised Hela withdrew her bloodied sword, Blaise collapsed backwards. His eyes rolled and he floundered momentarily as he went. With her mouth still open in a scream, Hermione caught his body before crumpling to the asphalt. "Oh! Blaise—Merlin no! What have you done…? You weren't supposed to even be here." Her trembling hands put pressure over the seeping wound, but there was nothing to be done. Sobbing, she looked up at Loki and whimpered, "Please, help me…"
It was hard to breathe through the onslaught of remorse wracking Hermione. At times, the connection was more of a hindrance than a help. "There's nothing to be done," he told her firmly, knowing it wasn't what she wanted to hear, but Hela was still a threat at the moment. Gripping his dagger tightly, he spoke directly to Lady Death. "You were going to murder her, and for what? She did nothing to you!"
"She means something to you, that much is obvious in the way she protects you, and you her." Hela smirked, waving her hand to disperse of the blood on her sword before sweeping her gaze over the mess she'd created. "An eye for an eye? Isn't that the old saying? I think I shall take my leave as it appears I've made my point." Pointing her sword at Loki and then at Hermione's crumpled form, she added, "The next we meet, Loki, you will be mine or it will be her heart I destroy."
Fury exploded in his chest at the threat, so Loki cried out, throwing his dagger at the Goddess of Death. She'd disappeared in a wisp of black smoke before the blade was able to make contact. It clattered uselessly to the ground, skittering away into the darkness. Exhaling with frustration, Loki whirled around to face Hermione, ready to scold her for her carelessness. As he took a step toward her, he felt a hand on his shoulder, roughly pulling him back. A quick glance showed Thor's solemn face as he gestured towards the scene that was unfolding. Tabling his anger, Loki paused in his pursuit, understanding that this needed to happen.
The broken pavement crunched underfoot as Theo stumbled numbly toward Hermione and Blaise. He was holding his breath, unable to fathom the past two minutes of his life. His hand still felt warm where Blaise had held it, but it was quickly fading. Stopping in front of the pair, he tried to speak through the growing lump in his throat. "Is he?" The question appeared to break Hermione's trance, causing her to glance up at him. His eyes never left her face, watching as the tears drew rivers down her cheeks. "Fucking answer me, Hermione. Is. He. Dead?"
"He—Theo… Blaise wasn't supposed to be here. We decided he'd stay away if this were to happen." Hermione stumbled over her words, her shaking hands still frantically pushing against the wound on Blaise's chest.
"Damn it, Granger!" Theo exploded with anger, shoving his hands into his hair and tugging furiously. "I just need to know if he's dead! I don't give a fuck about your secret pact right this second. Just bloody well tell me if my husband is alive or not!"
Meeting Theo's accusing eyes, Hermione tried to steady her breathing, to calm her frantic crying. Briefly looking at her bloodied hands, she gently removed them from the stab wound, knowing it was over… There was nothing to be done, just like Loki said. "He's gone, Theo," she whispered, voice breaking at the end. "I'm so sorry."
Numb. That's what he felt as Hermione's words raced through his mind like Fiendfyre. He's gone. Slowly, Theo sank to his knees, ignoring the pain he felt upon impact. The hands slowly untangled from his hair, scrubbing over his face and further downward until he gripped at his chest. "No," he whimpered, lips quivering. It couldn't be true, there had to be a mistake. He didn't just watch his beloved sacrifice himself for Hermione. No. His entire world was crashing down around him. Even as the lights of the city flickered back to life, Theo remained in darkness.
"Tell me what the prophecy said," Theo demanded of Hermione, voice rough with suppressed tears. "Tell me now or so help me, I will end you."
There was a growl from behind her as Loki acknowledged the threat, but Hermione held up her hand, stopping him from harming her friend. "Knowing his prophecy won't change what's happened, Theo—"
"I swear it, Granger—"
"Just tell him, Hermione," Harry said gently, as he held back tears of his own. "It's not going to hurt anything now."
"Alright," she acquiesced, taking a deep breath and closing her eyes. She let the breath out slowly, calming herself before beginning to recite the prophecy that was now seared into her brain.
"It will happen in the New Year.
One with dark eyes will step in.
When darkness descends,
she will come.
Dark hands will defend the young,
protecting other's hearts and home.
When the sword descends,
she will pierce his soul.
Dark Knight of Venice falls
to save the Hope of them all."
As Hermione got to the end of the prophecy, she was met with stunned silence. Afraid to look at Theo, she peered over her shoulder at the others instead. Thor was watching with a passive expression as if he wasn't quite sure how to take what she'd told them. Harry was pinching the bridge of his nose, black frames pushed up awkwardly. Blaise was Harry's friend too, and now he was gone. Almost nervously, Hermione finally looked to Loki—his cold indifference making a shiver travel up her spine. At long last, she summoned a single shred of courage and returned her gaze to Theo.
A fury ignited in Theo's chest as he analyzed the prophecy kept from him all this time. He'd known it had to be pivotal, Blaise having kept it from him entirely. He still remembered finding him that day… But now his love was gone and it was all to save the witch in front of him. Why was it always Hermione mucking things up for everyone? Scrambling forward on his knees, he shoved her backward, away from Blaise's body.
"Get away from him!" He roared as he pulled Blaise into his arms. He rocked him gently, the tears burning his eyes as they finally began to fall. "You did this—this is all your fault! Get out of here! Leave us alone!" Theo was the one sobbing now, his hands becoming bloodstained as he smoothed out Blaise's tattered robes. Just an hour ago they'd been strolling hand in hand in Diagon Alley, and now…
Reaching for Theo, Hermione begged, "Please, Theo—I mean it. It wasn't supposed to end this way. I swear it!" She tried to crawl to her friend, wanting to comfort him, to be comforted by him. Merlin her heart ached; she'd lost Draco and now Blaise too. It was far too much to bear. Suddenly, she was yanked to her feet with staggering force. Trying to break free of the grasp, she realized Loki was holding her in place, his firm grip an anchor in her sea of emotional onslaught.
"You need to leave him now, Hermione," he instructed, pressing his lips against her ear. "You are making the situation worse." When she made to argue, he pulled her further away, ignoring her cry of discomfort as he wrenched her arm. "Potter, take care of your friend and his fallen husband. Thor, I presume you will be wanting to return to Asgard immediately. I am sure you can understand that I must stay, at the very least, three days before returning as well."
"I will explain our agreement to Heimdall, brother. Please be safe as we know not what Hela may have planned next," Thor explained as he prepared to open the Bifrost. "I will expect she won't remain hidden for long, if at all. Be well." He was gone in a blinding flash of color, returning to defend Asgard once more.
Harry stepped forward, his face calm but sad. "I'll take care of Theo… I texted Ron for backup so you can take Hermione home." He cleared his throat and turned to his best friend. "Are you going to be okay, Hermione?"
"No," she sobbed, trying to break free of Loki's hold again, but he held her tight. "I need to make Theo understand… We had planned for this. It was supposed to happen differently."
"What's done is done," Harry said on a sigh. "Now, please just leave before Theo gets any more upset." He gave Loki a pleading look, which the god acknowledged with a nod.
"We shall see you shortly," Loki told Harry before opening a portal in the astral plane. Hermione was still struggling to get free, but he wouldn't allow it. There would be time for her to make amends later, but for now, it was time for her to be separated from the situation lest she do or say something she would regret later. "Come now, love," he spoke much gentler than before.
This was all happening too quickly, in her opinion. No one would listen to her and that was making her all the more frantic. Blaise wasn't supposed to sacrifice himself. He wasn't supposed to be gone. Hela wasn't supposed to come for them, let alone be part of both prophecies! It was a twisted tragic mess, and now was not the time to be torn away from it all. Hermione's last vision of Theo was his eyes closing in agony, tears sliding down his cheeks as he cradled Blaise's lifeless form helplessly before Loki tore her through the astral plane and into darkness.
