I've restructured the last few chapters in this update. It kinda took on a life of its own. Along with the restructure was a massive rewrite of information. Some details have changed, others have been expanded upon. This includes both Chapter Fifteen and Sixteen, as well as the update chapter seventeen. I hope to have everything posted asap. Thank you so much for your patience with my muse which is unpredictable at best.
"How quickly the change of winds turns against us. Has my father imprisoned so many he's out of solitary cells?" Loki asked, a teasing glint in his eyes, as he joined Hermione at the small table. The young witch rolled her eyes.
"Admittedly, even I prefer we speak in better quarters."
Hermione stirred her tea as Loki spoke, before she asked, "Exactly how long have you had the ability to escape?"
Rather than answer her vocally, the god of lies smirked at her instead. Hermione breathed in to prevent herself from glaring at him.
"Is this all a game to you?" The witch asked. "I understand your pathetic need for power and control, but why did you bring me here? What could you possibly want from me?" ,
"Have my desires not been laid bare before you?" Loki asked looking at her demurely as Hermione watched with slight disgust. .
"Do you ever say anything without using riddles or of any substance at all?" Hermione asked, her irritation beginning to bleed into her voice. "All you do is beguile and charm without ever saying anything!"
"My concern is not on the needs of those lacking wit," Loki answered, before taking a sip of his tea. Hermione huffed at him.
"Why am I here?"
"I suspect Odin is angry you attacked his Queen. Mother always did have terrible defenses. It's not as though anyone in that court has the ability to challenger her mental abilities."
"Loki," Hermione growled at him, losing her patience.
"My mind has cleared since my return from Midgard," Loki finally answered. " You are the only other to have wielded the sceptre."
Hermione studied him before answering, "You think the sceptre is sentient?"
Loki's silence confirmed her suspicion and she began examining her memories of the few times she used the real sceptre.
How would it have influenced her? Admittedly, she did take enormous risks regarding Phil's life and her behavior in front of the International Federacy of Wizards.
Would she have done that regardless? What about taking Loki on without any backup?
"Without examining it again, it would be difficult to determine if you're correct. I rarely drop my mental shields. Would the sceptre be able to penetrate them without warning?"
"I do not know," Loki admitted as Hermione examined him. He certainly looked far healthier than last she'd seen him. His skin was brighter, no longer sallow, and she had doubts that Odin took good care of his prisoners.
"What do you believe the sceptre influenced you to do?" She expected her question to be met with derision. Instead, the Asgardian suddenly slumped over his tea cup, and refused to meet her eyes.
"My older brother and I…" Loki paused, "Competition has been a foundational component since we were children. After learning about my true heritage doubt entered my mind. When the sceptre was in my grasp, vengeance reigned within my mind. My brother had stolen what was most precious to me, and in return I would take Midgard from him."
"Now?" Hermione asked.
"My anger lays with Odin," Loki said. "My brother became the focus because he remains Odin's favorite."
"You know that your father will never believe you," Hermione said softly. "Odin's too entrenched in his belief of the world, and he will care more about the optics than the truth."
"I am aware," Loki said without malice in his voice. "I simply had to confirm the sceptre's power."
Following Loki's admission, Hermione started another pot of tea while ignoring how the Asgardian eyed her every move.
"Why do your people hide?" He asked as the kettle began whistling. The witch poured their tea before answering him.
"Fear," she answered, resuming her seat next to him. "Magic users were hunted down for their abilities. After too many died, a decision was made to hide our existence. We simply don't have the numbers to fight off muggles, and their weapons have only grown more impressive."
"Practical," Loki commented. "Although restricting."
"Not every muggle reacts as my parents did," Hermione answered with a shrug. "Harry's aunt and uncle were horribly abusive, and tried to 'stamp the magic out of him."
"The dark haired runt from your memories?"
"Yes," Hermione laughed at the description. "However, I doubt he'd appreciate hearing that description."
Loki was still watching her speculatively when a loud whirring sound buzzed, growing louder as it approached them. When Mjilnoir flew into the tent, Loki leapt to his feet preparing to defend himself. Hermione watched boredly when the hammer suddenly reversed course and returned the direction it had come.
"What?" Loki swore looking around the tent in confusion.
"Projectile Ward," Hermione answered with a wave of her hand. "I designed it to focus on Asgardian weapons after Thor threatened me." Before Loki could address the revelation, his older brother flew into the tent using Mjilnoir only for the ward to reactivate. At the rapid change in direction, Thor lost his grip and dropped onto the floor of the tent.
"Brother," Loki greeted, wearing a smug smirk.
"Loki," Thor groaned in response. Pushing himself up onto his knees he glanced around the tent, "What is this magical contraption?"
"Oh it's not mine," Loki answered as his smile grew wider. "This belongs to her."
Thor's eyes widened when he saw Hermione sitting at the table, and turned to glare back at his brother.
"What have you done?"
Hermione flinched at the volume of his question.
"You've compromised the Enchantress!" Thor bellowed.
"How lowly you think of me," Loki sneered. "Perhaps the question better asked is why palace guards locked the Witchling away with me."
Thor audibly growled as Loki's hint permeated into his mind.
"Such an act is treasonous. Compromising an ambassador and a Prince of Asgard ...this will see them sent to the cave," Thor said.
"What does he mean by 'compromised us?" Hermione asked.
"Asgardian customs command those unwed be suitably supervised in any mixed company," Loki answered. "My dear brother fears I've ruined you for any other."
The witch stared at Loki, desperately attempting to ignore the low purr of his voice, and the thought that he was actively making a promise to ruin her.
"You cannot be serious," she said. "Asgard's supposed to be an advanced society, yet insists on a barbaric courtship procedure? Besides, what about all the stories of Thor's libido and bedding every female?!"
"Families trying to trap him in a marriage," Loki answered. "I admit it does grow tiresome. Most, however, are merely embellished."
"You gave birth to an eight legged horse!"
"Admittedly, that rumor has gotten quite out of hand," Loki muttered. "Really it was nothing more than a shoddy illusion mixed with a bit of theatre. I am still surprised it worked at all."
"You honestly mean to tell me you've some how compromised my 'honor' by having tea with me alone?"
"Yes," Loki answered in a tone that suggested he thought her dimwitted.
"That's utter bollocks!"
"My Lady Enchantress," Thor said, finally breaking out of his own rage and looking at her scandalized.
"We shall make restitution post haste. Brother at my side!" Judging from the look on Loki's face, he was as surprised as Hermione at Thor's insistence. Both men were gone before she could formulate a question on exactly what he meant by restitution.
In fact, Loki was so surprised that it made him re-evaluate precisely how angry his father was at the witch. Certainly, Odin remained aloof and dismissive towards all, including his sons, the All Father became highly protective where Frigga was concerned. The circumstance certainly remained worth pondering, and the Trickster couldn't help contemplating exactly how he could use it to his advantage.
Thor, consumed by his fury over the treatment of his brother and friend, threw the throne room doors open, refusing to wait for the palace stewards to do their job. THe blonde Asgardian Prince stalked into the large hall as Loki trailed behind him. Thor's anger had proven quite destructive over time.
"Odin!" Thor bellowed, not bothering with proper formalities or due respect towards their father.
"What is the meaning of this?" Odin asked his eldest son, before sparing a single glance at Loki. "Where is the Midgardian?"
"Your guards locked Lady Granger in Loki's cell with no regard for her safety or modesty, much less our alliance with Midgard," Thor answered.
"Not concerned about my safety, I see," Loki muttered, loud enough for Thor to hear.
"Brother," Thor warned him. "All Father, you have endangered the alliance and our family's reputation with your shortsighted ire."
It is of no consequence," Odin said dismissing Thor's concerns, and ignoring his wife's audible gasp. "Shame will curb her tongue."
It will not command mine," Thor said. "You've gone too far. This thuggery will not stand. Loki and I will not abide this insanity."
"Throwing your lot in with a criminal?" Odin asked looking bemused at the idea. Surprisingly, Frigga interrupted.
"Husband, you have gone too far. Do not allow stubbornness and anger to rule your actions. Your son labored on behalf of Asgard to establish this alliance, nor will our people continue to bestow their trust with us if they learn of this madness.."
"What would you have me do?" Odin asked sighing heavily. "Betrothe the woman to Loki? A convicted criminal married to a Midgardian Besmirch the line of Odin?"
It was in that moment that Loki realized the opportunity that Thor had created for him. Before he could think more of it, he spoke.
"Regardless of my past missteps, Lady Granger will not accept such an arrangement if it is presented as a means to protect her reputation. She does not adhere to such customs, and appeared appalled at the mere idea."
Odin looked pointedly at his wife and eldest son..
"I suggest," Loki continued, examining his nails in a practiced appearance of disinterest, "You approach her as though without her consent to an arrangement, our family's reputation will be ruined and undermine our role as leaders."
"It will!" Thor interjected as Odin studied Loki.
"You are unopposed to an arrangement with Lady Granger?" Frigga asked delicately. "Loki, my son, never have you entertained such a thought. Even the suggestion of Sigrey you fought."
"Has she ensorcelled you?" Thor blurted out, causing Loki to scoff, before he realized both of his parents expected an answer.
"Perhaps I wish to make amends? Securing Lady Granger's loyalty will align us with her community, which will serve as a powerful ally for Asgard," Loki answered.
"SHIELD has not yet acquired such an alliance," Thor acknowledged. "At least no more than working with the Enchantress."
"Midgard will not accept your freedom," Odin predicting Loki's motivation.
"Perhaps," Loki agreed. "Would they not prefer I be shackled to their most renowned Sorceress?"
"If anything were to occur," Odin said beginning to consider the idea, "If you violate any law regardless of how small, the girl will receive your punishment."
"You will give her the apples," Loki countered.
"Of course," Odin agreed. "The binding ceremony will occur prior to such an event, however."
Loki inclined his head to show his assent, and Odin dispatched two guards, along with Frigga to retrieve Hermione.