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.
"Thank you brother," Thor professed gratefully , speaking so only they could hear each other. Loki turned towards Thor allowing his surprise to display on his face
"Lady Granger is a dear friend, as well as a formidable warrior of Midgard. Possessing the knowledge that I am the cause of t my guest's demise...that I placed such a friend in a perilous situation…" Thor's voice faltered, and he looked away in shame.
"As a Midgardian warrior, the Witchling would have been in no physical danger," Loki pointed out, forcing himself to withhold his own frustration over the implied insult Thor was suggesting.
"Clearly!" Thor answered. "I've seen the Enchantress in battle against the most dangerous magical wielder, yet she still outwitted you at each turn. Her magics even prevented the All Father from disarming her."
"Yet?" Loki asked, despite the pleasure that thrummed along his skin at the unexpected compliment, and pride over the Witchling outwitting the All Father.
"Not all battles are fought with swords," Thor said, his voice miniscule while he stared at the floor.
"A lesson you have long ignored," Loki said, looking at his brother in surprise. "Long has Mother and I tried to teach you this truth. Pity it has taken such an experience for you to learn it."
Thor merely nodded his agreement at Loki's observation. Never had the blonde Asgardian shown such shame or humility in Loki's presence. It surprised the Trickster when, Thor did manage to repeat a quiet, "Thank you brother."
While Loki outwardly grimaced, he still gave a deferential nod towards Thor to acknowledge the gratitude his brother expressed. While Loki's actions were not altogether altruistic, he did realize Thor was truly grateful for the interference provided on behalf of the Witchling. He did not share his doubt that Odin would be unable to coerce the Witchling to agree with such an arrangement. He was deep within his mind, when Thor's boisterous voice permeated it his mental barriers.
"Enchantress!"
Loki turned towards the entrance of the Hall of Thrones, to see his mother guiding the Witchling towards them. Despite her time in the dungeons, the Witchling glided regally into the hall with her arm wrapped around Queen Frigga's, an Asgardian declaration of a maternal bond.
"Thor," the witch greeted as the two women approached. Her eyes sought Loki's before darting away to greet Odin. "All Father."
The Asgardian King scrutinized the young woman before he spoke, his tone wary, "I am most distressed by the actions of my guards. Apologies are insufficient due to the egregiousness of this crime. Be assured they will be punished most severely."
"Thank you All Father," Hermione answered, although it was clear to the room that she didn't believe a word of it. Odin studied her reaction, and clearly chose his next words with great care.
"This crime has placed us all in a precarious situation. Your gracious forgiveness will not absolve either of us," Odin said before pausing momentarily, "We are forced to follow proper decorum."
"Proper decorum?" Hermione repeated, as she wore a tight smile on her face. "All Father, rest assured no offense was made to me or Midgard. Even if my people knew of such circumstances, they wouldn't consider my honor besmirched. Rather they would be more angered about the treatment you provided an ally"
Loki smirked at her attempt of maneuvering around the All Father, while also reminding Odin how his actions inflicted such an agreevance. Yet could not help, but be proud of Odin's response.
"The Asgardian people have placed great trust in my family, which will wither were I to ignore such an offence," Odin explained, as though she had not spoken. "Restitution must be extended."
"You cannot seriously be suggesting a marriage as a solution to a minor misunderstanding," Hermione said glaring at Odin. When he gave no further indication of clarifying, Hermione spoke out of frustration, "At this point does any Asgardian is concerned for Loki's reputation?"
"Yes," Queen Frigga said in a glacial tone, her ire obvious on her face. "The consequences will be pervasive against Loki the most, but will also extend towards Thor. You were brought here as his guest, and yet were compromised horrifically with his own brother. Few will believe the truth, and instead most will choose the more salacious theories, such as Thor purposefully allowed Loki to ruin your reputation."
Hermione went to protest such an allegation, believing that logic and truth would win out. However, her voice faltered, as her memories from her fourth year surfaced. How many grown adults, strangers and parental figures (Molly Weasley) alike chose to believe the worst of her? A mother, who personally knew her, chose to believe Rita Skeeter's lies rather than simply ask Hermione or Harry about them. Would Thor's accusers coerce the population similarly?
"I suppose the alliance between our worlds would be cemented with a marriage as well," Hermione said, choosing to focus her arguments upon Odin, rather than Frigga. "No doubt that you have surmised such a benefit."
"A marriage would strengthen our alliance," Odin agreed without hesitation. "Were I not to consider all consequences, negative and positive, I would never have become the All Father."
Knowing that she was not going to change Odin's mind, regardless of her capabilities, Hermione gave a brisk nod as she gathered her Gryffindor courage. The witch pragmatically conjured a scroll and quill, earning a smile from Queen Frigga at her magical prowess.
"First and Foremost, were a union to be agreed upon, I would retain my Midgardian citizenship, and freely move between the realms at my own leisure," Hermione said as Odin studied her.
"Agreeable so long as we include the condition that you must spend equal time in both realms," Odin countered. Hermione's assent, once registered, triggered the quill to scribble out the parameters on the parchment, which had Thor staring at it with utter fascination.
"Thor Odinson, don't you dare touch that quill!" Hermione said sharply just as the blonde Asgardian reached out. Thor looked down, utterly despondent at the reprimand. Sighing, Hermione conjured another quill and parchment for him to examine. Quite soothed, Thor became occupied with the two items while Odin and Hermione continued negotiating.
"No previous charges, convictions or accusations will stand thereafter a marriage has taken place, for either party," Hermione said once she'd regained Odin's attention. Frigga, Odin, and Loki all looked at her in surprise at the final inclusion.
"You willingly agree to pardon Loki?" Frigga asked, hope splashed across her face, though her tone spoke of her disbelief. When Hermione nodded, the Queen turned a pleading gaze towards her husband. Odin possessed a contemplative look, which the witch couldn't decipher.
"Loki's prior transgressions have proven this countenance to be folly," Odin answered. Hermione raised her chin at him. "My son has proven most untrustworthy. Releasing him from the consequences of his actions will prove futile."
"Imprisoning him has proven worthless," Hermione pointed out. "The treatment you've put your son through has only aggravated the very behavior you are trying to eradicate."
Odin watched Loki's response regarding Hermione's accusation before he spoke, "You would be responsible for Loki's behavior. Any misstep or violation of law he makes will be paid for by you."
She watched Odin warily before giving a small nod, "However, I reserve the right to appeal any and all judgements, accusations, punishments, and convictions." The quill scribbled both conditions onto the parchment, before they moved on to the next requirement. When Odin spoke, Hermione froze entirely.
"I beg your pardon?" The witch asked, positive she misheard the All Father.
"Heirs will be required," Odin repeated. Hermione closed her eyes and breathed in before slowly counting to ten.
"Heirs," Hermione repeated, unable to conceal her utter disbelief from her voice.
"Yes," Odin answered as though they were discussing social niceties over tea. "You will be marrying into the Asgardian Royal Family, and while it is more likely that Thor will inherit the throne, it is important that both sons of Odin carry on the family line."
Hermione tempered her breathing, and focused on keeping her magic from lashing out. Instead of giving into her rage, the witch thought carefully on exactly how she should respond to Odin's demand.
"No one aside from Loki or myself will decide when any heir will be produced, how said heir will be raised, nor will anyone else decided on how many are required."
"Clever loophole," Odin said. "You would have no requirement to even attempt the process of having an heir with that language."
"Then include a clause that says we have to make our best effort," Hermione snarled at him.
"Odin," Frigga said sharply, glaring at her husband. A single look between the King and Queen resulted in a nod from Odin, and the clauses were inscribed alongside the rest. It took hours for the contract to be completed to each parties specifications, and once done, Odin demanded it be signed by Loki, Hermione, and himself.
Hermione demurred, "I can hardly sign such a binding contract without speaking to my elders first."
"Of course," Odin agreed, surprising the Midgardian Witch. "It would, however, be prudent to enter into a preliminary betrothal first. Should Midgard wish to decline, the agreement can easily be broken without consequence. It merely prevents either betrothed party from absconding with another."
Loki watched Odin with narrowed eyes, suspecting his father of manipulating the young witch. So focused on his adopted father, that Loki missed when the Witchling agreed. Odin's smug expression after the preliminary binding took place, didn't move at all during the family dinner Frigga insisted upon having to celebrate.
Loki continued to keep his own council while Thor entertained the Witchling during dinner. The thrill of pride that filled him when he saw his mother's please gazed was inevitable. Frigga insisted upon Loki escorting Hermione to her room and to breakfast the next day.