Hermione hung back along with Sif and the Warriors three as Loki and Thor moved forward to speak to the Elvin king. Hermione smiled softly. The grand Elves had once walked the grounds of Midgard but they had long disappeared. Hermione had often wondered where they had gone. She had, had many expectations for the Elves, from her readings, and she found her expectations blown away. They were majestic humanoid creatures of tall stature. With pure white skin blazing ice blue eyes and long white hair which had long pointed ears sticking from long and proud. They were beautiful in every sense of the word.
"King Alverdus." Thor said as he and Loki bowed deeply the others doing the same, Hermione following suit.
"Your royal highness's you never need to bow to me ever again, not after the good service you and your companions have done for my people…" Alverdus said his voice sounding like the finest of silk. "The bodies of enemy's from these gentle realms lay stone thanks to you all and I am forever in your debts."
"Humble king it was the least we could do." Loki said his head bowing while Thor did the same. The Elf King smiled before his eyes flicked over their shoulders.
"I see you have a new companion Thor… Since I saw you last I mean…" Alverdus said his piercing eyes set upon Hermione.
"Ah yes, Let me introduce you." Thor said with a smile as he outstretched his hand to Hermione who walked forward. "This is Lady Hermione-."
"Granger, savior knightess of Midgard, protector of the Asgardian libraries, and future princess of Asgard." Alverdus said with a smile.
"It is an honor to make your acquaintance." Hermione said and the Elf tilted his head.
"Most would ask how I would know so much…" Alverdus said with a smile.
"I assume you have your ways." She said and the Elf laughed while Hermione smiled. Loki tilted his head, it was almost as if they had shared a private joke.
"I was very excited to learn such a hero to Midgard, a place I once called home, now called a realm of the nines home." He said. "I welcome you formally to our humble tree Yggdarsill."
"Thank you so much." She said with a smile. He had a very kind look to him, a kind wise look that had come from ages upon ages of living.
"May…" he slowly stood with a smile. "May I see all of which you have seen?" he asked stretching out his hand. She only smiled while bowing her head. Alverdus smiled softly before pulling back. "Kind of you to say no… Most would jump at the chance to prove their valor."
"There was no valor, just duty." Hermione said and the Elf smiled.
"Well said… A noble woman you have found indeed Prince Loki."
"Thank you." Loki said. "But she found me." Hermione smiled softly and Alverdus smiled more.
"A humble man you have made of the mischievous prince…" Alverdus said to Hermione before he tilted his head as a male elf walked up behind him and whispered in his ear. His eyes turned to Hermione as the other elf took a step back from the King.
"Such… Power." He said walking to her slowly before bending forward his mouth going to her ear. "So much so you know not what to do with yourself…" he whispered. He pulled back and looked her over with a ghost of a smile. "I have had rooms made ready I knew not there would be more than the usual five shall I make another room available or-."
"She shall stay with me." Loki said and the Elf smiled sensing an air of jealousy to the prince.
"Of course." He said stepping back from Hermione. "A gala will be held tonight, a feast to thank you all for your hard work…"
"How very kind." Thor said with a smile.
"You all shall be led to your rooms now for rest until then…" A group of elves moved forward and began to lead them away. Hermione went to turn from the Elf king but stopped feeling his hand go to hers stopping her. She slowly turned and faced him. Her eyes widened as his silk voice entered her mind with an urgent message.
Loki turned realizing Hermione wasn't at his side. He tilted his head seeing Hermione looking up at Alverdus his hand holding hers as he looked into her eyes with a serene expression. He reached up and touched her face for a moment and Hermione slowly nodded.
"Thank you…" she said softly.
"Hermione?" she turned to see Loki his hand out for her to come to him.
"We shall speak on it more later…" Alverdus said with a smile.
"Yes…" She said with a soft expression.
"Hermione?" Loki asked his jaw clenching. She walked to him and took his hand. As they walked away together Loki looked over his shoulder at Alverdus who had a soft expression his eyes only set upon Hermione. Loki didn't know what to make of what he had just seen. He eyed Hermione as they walked to their rooms an Elf leading the way. Her russet eyes were set forward with a troubled expression.
"Here are your quarters…" The Elf said bowing his head as he pushed open the door to reveal a larger room filled with white marble swirling with gold.
"Thank you." Hermione said softly as she and Loki entered the room. She walked away from Loki as he closed the door.
"What was that?" he asked when she didn't answer he turned and looked to her back. "Hermione what was that?"
"What?" she asked turning to look to him still feeling stunned at the words secretly spoken to her by Alverdus.
"I asked what secret conversation you shared with the Elvin King." He said.
"You seem angry with me." Hermione said slightly confused.
"No…" he said shifting on his feet. "I only wish to know what he said in secret that he couldn't speak aloud."
"How far do the eyes and ears of your father reach?" she asked and he tilted his head.
"This is what the Elf asked of you?"
"No it's what I ask of you…"
"He is… All seeing… All hearing… Upon such a question he has most likely turned his eyes to us…" Hermione closed her eyes for a long moment. Loki tilted his head. "Hermione?" he asked. Her eyes opened and a rush of light raced towards him. He shielded his eyes for a moment before his arm dropped from his gaze and he stared up at the ruins of a once grand castle. He looked to Hermione who sat before him in jeans, a pink hoodie, and a jean jacket. She was staring aimlessly forward with a haunted look her wand held in her hand. She was covered in blood, bruises, and cuts.
"Hermione." He said walking to her with nothing but concern.
"Oh don't be alarmed." He turned to see another Hermione standing before him. She smiled softly and he knew instantly she was the real one. "I've taken you into a memory of mine… A place where your father can not see. I'm sorry for how I look there but I can't change how I was in that moment." She said quietly.
"This is the aftermath of the war." He said looking around at hundreds of puddles of blood.
"I tried to take us somewhere happier, but I am afraid my mind will always go here. Also it was the most quiet moment of my life so we can speak long without any interruptions."
"What is you wish to speak of that my father isn't allowed to hear?"
"Remember when I said that your father lied right to my face?" She asked.
"I do yes." He said.
"Alverdus told me the truth… Something is happening on Midgard." She said and he shifted on his feet.
"Are you sure?"
"He couldn't finish because you interrupted but he told me war was coming… Loki I was right…"
"You trust him? You don't even know Alverdus." He said with a smile.
"He has no reason to lie to me… He says he'll prove it to me later though." Loki laughed and Hermione tilted her head.
"Hermione elvish magic is quite strong… He could trick you."
"Loki I can't just ignore what he said and how I feel-."
"You're restless just wait to see how you feel."
"You said after a battle I would feel better, well I was just in battle and-."
"That wasn't a battle you hardly fought at all you killed those Fairy's by just thinking it." He said. "Get your hands dirty, maybe get a little beat up you'll feel better."
"You want me to get beat up?" she asked quirking an eyebrow.
"Of course I don't want-."
"Loki I'm telling you something is wrong, that I can feel it, don't you trust me?" she asked walking to him.
"Of course I do…" Loki said his expression softening.
"Then why are you questioning this?"
"Because you're on edge you aren't thinking clearly."
"The only time I do think clearly is when I'm on edge Loki."
"Elves are cunning."
"He isn't lying to me." She said. "Loki everything with in my being is screaming at me that war is coming and you want me to just… Ignore it? Wait and see how I feel?" She asked with a cynical laugh.
"Yes." She tilted her head.
"I don't understand you right now." She said her eyes wide.
"For someone who says they are so burdened by the death of her friends and haunted by memories of war you seem so very eager for it again." Loki regretted saying it the second it had left his mouth. She blinked her eyes welling up as her jaw clenched and she looked off. "Hermione-." A bright light surrounded them and Loki took a breath as they were once more standing in their room. "Hermione I'm-."
"Forget it… It's fine…" She said quietly. "I'm going to go see to Lady Sif, she was very nearly hurt in the battle today…" she went to walk past him and Loki took her hand.
"I'm just worried for you…" He said softly and she slowly looked to him.
"I'll see you later." She said before walking off. The second the door closed to the room Loki let out a frustrated sigh as he walked over to the bed and sat down.
-o-
Hermione sighed as she sat in a vast enchanted garden. To say she had been hurt by Lokis words would have been an understatement. She couldn't understand how he could say such a thing. She didn't yearn for war, but she was always ready for it. She ran her fingers through her hair as she closed her eyes.
"You seem burdened young Hermione." She stood and turned to see Alverdus.
"Your majesty." She said bowing deeply. He smiled softly as he looked her over. Hermione slowly looked around to see the setting around them shift. He was bringing her into his own mind. She smiled softly seeing they were standing amongst ruins, but they weren't like the ruins of Hogwarts. These ruins weren't created by war, but by time.
"I would say I don't blame you for sneaking away to admire the gardens, but I know you did not come for its beauty, but instead its tranquility… You are so very troubled… Prince Loki-."
"I do not wish to speak of him but what you perceive to be happening on Midgard." He smiled, realizing she wouldn't speak about her future husband behind his back.
"Of course." He said walking to her his long sliver robes dragging behind him as he moved. "Your instincts are right, war is brewing."
"Has it come?" she asked.
"No and it won't for some time if things progress as they have been." She slowly nodded feeling a bit more at ease.
"Have…" Her voice hitched in her throat.
"Have there been deaths?" he asked. "Yes…"
"Is it death eaters?" she asked looking to him.
"The hooded men in silver masks? Yes, but they wear no such masks anymore…"
"Who leads them?"
"An unclaimed son who is just as power hungry as his father…"
"Voldemort had a son?" she asked. "You're very sure?"
"A son in magic and blood alike…"
"No, Harry Ron and I were thorough." Her jaw clenched. "But if Voldemort wanted to hide something like that he had his ways… I have to find a way back…" She said softly her jaw clenching.
"You will." He said and she looked to him. "You're clever."
"A high compliment coming from a being such as yourself." She said and he nodded with a smile.
"Shall we go to the banquet, where you may let your mind wonder to more pleasant things?"
"I doubt my mind can be taken away from it…" She said softly as they were transported back to the gardens.
"War isn't easily forgotten…" He said as he looked her over with a smile. She was so much more then she seemed, and he found it entertaining that she did not know just how special she was, if at all.
-o-
Loki watched as Lady Sif entered the vast dinging Hall talking closely with Fandral. He stood tilting his head. He walked past dancing and feasting Elves before reaching Sif. He set a hand on her arm stopping her.
"What-."
"Where's Hermione?" he asked and she smiled.
"I wouldn't know."
"She said she was coming to speak with you…" He said looking her over.
"She did not…" Sif said. "I'm sure she's on her way though." As she and Fandral walked away Loki looked to the doors to see Hermione and Alverdus walking in side by side her arm linked with his. Loki felt his chest seize as his eyes narrowed. He reluctantly bowed as everyone else did willingly. Alverdus nodded with a smile before walking over to a special table set up with his council members where seats were left open for the Asgardian visitors. Hermione walked down the steps where Loki met her.
"That wasn't Lady Sif." He said his jaw clenching.
"I changed my mind and went for a walk." She went to move past him and Loki took her arm in his hand.
"For a walk where you happened to meet with Alverdus?" he inquired and her jaw clenched.
"Yes actually." She said turning her russet eyes to his emerald ones. "I see you not only don't trust my instincts but don't trust me in general. So lovely to be finding out what you actually think of me. First I'm war hungry and now I'm a cheater." She walked away from him. Thor sat up in his chair as he watched Hermione walk away from Loki. Both had upset expressions. It seemed the happiness the two had been feeling had somehow been derailed. Hermione sat down next to Sif and Thor sent her a look, she smiled kindly at him and he looked to his brother to see his eyes glued to Hermione with a remorseful look as he sat down beside him.
The rest of the night, Hermione didn't look to Loki once, and in truth it was driving him mad. Loki knew he had hurt her feelings, not once but twice. Then again she had lied to him about seeing Lady Sif. Instead she had gone to speak in secret with the Elf King Alverdus. The same Elf who kept stealing glances at Hermione who would smile in return. Maybe she was being polite but he could tell they were having secret conversations and it was driving him mad.
"Well what a splendid evening it's been but I think I'll retire for the night." Hermione said.
"Already?" Fandral asked with a smile. "He have not even began to drink."
"I'm sure Thor will be happy to pick up the drinks I am unable to consume myself." She said.
"Indeed." Thor said with a laugh.
"I'll walk you to the room." Loki said standing.
"No I'm okay." She said not even looking to him. "Good night everyone."
"Good night." They chimed and she nodded before walking off.
"She used quite a bit of magic today, I think I will check in on her." Loki said before walking off his jaw clenching.
"Mom and dad are fighting again…" Fandral said and Sif kicked him beneath the table. "Owe!" Alverdus laughed at the Asgardian antics.
-o-
Hermione stretched as she looked around the room. She had apperated right to the bedroom, not remembering how to get back by just her feet. Her mind hadn't been all there upon first arriving at the room or when she had left. Her jaw clenched remembering what Loki had said to her. Not only in the bedroom but also in the ballroom. She heard the door open and she turned to see Loki.
"I told you I was fine." Hermione said as he closed the chamber door and turned to face her. "You should be with the others."
"We need to talk."
"About?" she asked.
"How about the secret conversation between you and Alverdus before the banquet… Or the numerous ones you two shared tonight at dinner."
"The one before was about what you and I spoke about in my memory."
"And at dinner?" Her jaw clenched hating the way he was looking at her with suspicion in that moment.
"We were making plans for a secret rendezvous tonight." She said. "Happy?"
"Do not jest." He said his jaw clenching as he walked to her.
"We were going to go take a walk in the enchanted gardens before he bedded me right there beside the rose bushes." His eyes flashed as his hand gripped onto her hip.
"Don't… Test… Me." He said and her eyes narrowed.
"I'm really sick of dealing with your jealousy." She said going to turn away from him only to have him take a hold of her arm and wheel her back around.
"What did you speak of during dinner?" He asked with an intense gaze.
"Intelligent things we tired of Thors stories of battle and sought more interesting conversation in our minds is that a crime?" she asked and he shifted.
"No… No I guess not."
"Now let go of me." She said ripping her arm from his grasp. "So wonderful to know the man I'm in love with and who claims to love me doesn't trust or have faith in me at all." She went to walk out of the room wanting to get away from him.
"We both know you'll just go to Alverdus…" He said his jaw clenching as he gripped onto her arm and spun her to face him.
"Stop tossing me about like I'm some rag doll!" She shouted making him let her go. "I swear to the gods we could be in a room full women and you would still suspect me of making moon eyes at one of them." She shook her head. "Why are you so suspicious of me? What have I done to make you think that I can't be trusted, or that I have eyes for someone else other then you?" She asked in desperation. "If anyone should be suspicious it's me… you're the one who had a group of women for his use at anytime… And I know there were more women in that group then the nobles with the emerald necklaces how many chamber maids were there Loki? Or servents? Or cooks? Or female subjects? How many did you bed?!" He looked off. "I won't even bring up that kiss you had with Rayna in the gardens." His eyes shot to hers.
"No… No Hermione that-."
"I really don't care... I know what it was but that doesn't mean it didn't hurt when I saw it." She said. "Do you think it's been easy for me?" she asked. "Anytime a woman at one of the court functions looks your way I can't help but wonder, did he sleep with her too? I don't show my jealousy though, I burry it because I remember that, that was in the past and you're with me, and that I love you and trust you with me life… Why won't you grant me the same courtesy? I who have done nothing to make you jealous in the first place. For god sakes Loki I haven't ever been with anyone like I have been with you, and I certainly haven't slept with anyone." His expression softened as her eyes welled up. "Is, is that what you need from me? If I stripped down now and bared my body and soul to you would you finally know how much I love you and how much I want for no one else but you?"
"Hermione…"
"Because I'll do it." She said taking off her cloak. "If that's what you need from me then fine." She took off the metal corset around her waist and shed her chainmail blouse beneath it. Loki moved forward suddenly and kissed her deeply as he halted her hands before she could take off more. His forehead rested against hers.
"I'm sorry…" he said his lips brushing against hers as he spoke. "You don't have to do that I'm sorry."
"What can I do to make you trust me?"
"I do trust you… I do it's… It's other men I don't trust… You don't see how they look at you…" She shook her head.
"They don't-."
"They accost you with their eyes, and you don't see it because you have no clue how beautiful you are… I know I get jealous, and I know I'm possessive but… How else am I to be with the woman I love?"
"You're supposed to trust that I won't leave you for any man who smiles my way…" She said moving away from him.
"No other woman has ever been upset with me being pos-."
"Don't compare me to those other women." She said shaking her head. "It makes me feel like I'm just another one of your girls you plan to bed and then throw away." He walked up behind her and wrapped her arms around her. She went to pull away and he held her in place gently. "Loki-."
"You're much more to me than they ever were… You're the only woman I have ever loved… That I will ever love."
"I don't think you love me at all… I think I'm just something you wish to keep for yourself…" his jaw clenched as he blinked, emotion rising into his chest. She moved away from him.
"That's not true." He said.
"I'm going to stay with Sif tonight… Feel free to check in on me to make sure I'm really there." She said quietly as she walked away her cloak flying into her hand from the ground.
"Hermione I do love you." He said and she turned and looked to him with an unreadable expression.
"I think we moved too fast…" she said pain flashing over her expression. "Good night…" she walked to the door and opened it up. Hermione took a deep breath as she bowed her head forward. "I still love you desperately… I hope you know that, that will never change." She looked to him.
"What's happening here?" He asked wide eyed.
"I'm not sure…" She admitted quietly. "I'll… I'll see you tomorrow." With that she closed the door as Loki stumbled back into a wall. Hermione quickly apperated outside and stared up at the sky as she took deep breaths trying not to let any tears fall. Her eyes closed tightly as she spread her arms wide and let her magic's crackle to life in the palms of her hands. "Tell him I'm sorry…" She said knowing Odin would be listening in. "Tell him I had to do this… Tell him… I meant everything I said." With that she felt her body raise up off the ground.
Loki stared at the door. He didn't know why but he got the feeling that when Hermione had said, she would see him tomorrow that she had lied. He took deep breaths. He was panicked, something he never was. Panicked because though Hermione had said she loved him, it had sounded more like a goodbye. He rushed to the door and flung it open before running out into the hallway.
"Hermione!?" he called though he knew she was long gone. He went to run to Sifs room to apologize to Hermione but stopped.
"I'm going to stay with Sif tonight… Feel free to check in on me to make sure I'm really there."
If he went to Sifs room, even to apologize to Hermione. Hermione would take that as evidence that he really didn't trust her. He was just going to have to trust they'd make it through their worst fight yet. He slowly walked back into his room and sat down at his bed. He looked back at it, he had been looking forward to sharing it with Hermione. His jaw clenched, thanks to this fight, he would be sleeping alone tonight.
-o-
Hermione slammed down into the ground. Her jaw clenched heavily as pain spread through her body. She slowly rolled onto her back her hands resting on her chest as she tried to regain the air which had been forced out of her lungs by the impact. She slowly rolled onto her stomach and with much difficulty rose to her feet. She stared out at a painful familiar sight. The ruins of Hogwarts. After the war, the school had been retired. No one feeling right returning for schooling when so much death and pain had occurred on its grounds. It was now a monument to all the lives lost. Her eyes set upon a large statue of a stag. Her jaw clenched tightly. She hadn't been back to see the statue in Harry's honor be placed. She had been invited but she just hadn't been able to bring herself to face it. Her body suddenly went rigid and she let her wand slip into her hand.
"We knew you'd come back here eventually…" Hermione slowly turned and faced a group full of men. "Have a nice vacation love?" She fired a spell right into the mans chest who flew back.
"Next?" she asked and the men rushed forward firing spells her way. She fought off the first five just fine until a torture curse slammed into her body making pain instantly spread through her. She cried out in pain before flying back into the stag statue. The wizard went to fire the killing curse but instead was flung forward rolling across the ground dead to her feet a green haze hovering over his body. She slowly looked up and set her eyes upon a familiar face.
"George…" She said and he instantly smiled.
"Hermione Granger you are indeed a sight for sore eyes." He walked over and helped her up onto her feet.
"Who else knows I'm back?"
"Just me I've been waiting here for you for weeks." He said. "By the way where the bloody hell have you been?"
"It's a long story…" she said quietly as she looked to the stag statue and George watched as an immense amount of pain went across her expression. "George?"
"Yes?" he asked.
"Take me to the others." He took her hand in his and the apperated away with one another.